A 35-year-old welder develops progressive massive fibrosis after 12 years of work. His chest X-ray shows 'egg-shell' calcification of hilar lymph nodes. The MOST likely diagnosis is:
- A Asbestosis
- B Silicosis ✓
- C Coal workers' pneumoconiosis
- D Siderosis
Correct answer: B. Silicosis
Explanation
Egg-shell calcification of hilar lymph nodes is pathognomonic of silicosis, caused by inhalation of crystalline silicon dioxide (quartz). Progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) represents advanced/complicated silicosis. Welding, sandblasting, mining, and quarrying are high-risk occupations. Asbestosis shows linear basal fibrosis and pleural plaques. Coal workers' pneumoconiosis shows nodular opacities without eggshell calcification typically. Siderosis (iron oxide inhalation) causes benign pulmonary deposits without significant fibrosis.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.