Rapidly progressive silicosis

Abstract

The control and reduction of silica dust exposure in developed countries have resulted in a remarkable decrease in morbidity and mortality due to silicosis but exposure risks have remained high in other countries. Here, we present a fatal case of silicosis in a 27 year-old man with exposure duration of less than one year. This case indicated that intense exposure to silica dust can cause significant fibrotic disease after a short latency period. é 2007 NRITLD, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Iran.