A 42-year-old sandstone quarry worker develops progressive dyspnoea, weight loss, and bilateral upper lobe opacities with 'eggshell' calcification of hilar lymph nodes on chest X-ray. He has no history of TB exposure. The most likely diagnosis and its medicolegal classification is:
- A Silicosis — a scheduled occupational disease under the Mines Act 1952 and Factories Act 1948 ✓
- B Coal worker's pneumoconiosis — notifiable under ESI Act 1948
- C Hypersensitivity pneumonitis — compensable under Workmen's Compensation Act
- D Asbestosis — listed under the Employee's Compensation Act 1923 as a scheduled disease
Correct answer: A. Silicosis — a scheduled occupational disease under the Mines Act 1952 and Factories Act 1948
Explanation
Eggshell calcification of hilar lymph nodes is pathognomonic of silicosis, caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust in quarry, mining, and stone-cutting workers. Silicosis is listed as a scheduled occupational disease under both the Mines Act 1952 and Factories Act 1948, and is also notifiable under the Employee's Compensation Act 1923 (Schedule III). Progressive massive fibrosis (conglomerate silicosis) appears as bilateral upper lobe large opacities. Silicosis predisposes to TB (silicotuberculosis).
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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