Silicosis Diagnosed by Transbronchial Lung Biopsy ? A Case Report and Review

Silicosis is a fibrosing pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation, retention and pulmonary reaction to crystalline silica. Silica or silicon dioxide is the predominant component of the earth's crust. Despite knowledge of the cause of this disorder, this serious and potentially fatal occupational lung disease remains prevalent throughout the world. Occupational exposure to silica particles has been associated with mining, quarrying, drilling, tunnelling, and sandblasting. The diagnosis of silicosis is based on a thorough history and radiological evaluation, a biopsy being required only when the radiological diagnosis is uncertain. When required, an open or thoracoscopic lung biopsy is necessary to obtain adequate material for examination, however these procedures are associated with significant morbidity. Transbronchial lung biopsy is an alternative method of diagnosis associated with lesser morbidity. However in view of the smaller size of the sample the diagnostic yield is lower. We present a case of a 39 year old male with silicosis diagnosed by transbronchial lung biopsy.