Silicosis, caused by inhaling dust containing free crystalline silica, typically has a chronic course, with the numbers of silicosis patients declining globally. Much rarer are the acute and subacute forms. Presented is a case of severe subacute (accelerated) silicosis. The condition resulted from ~2 years of very intense exposure without appropriate personal protective equipment while sandblasting. The patient's initial symptoms were progressive cough, dyspnoea and weight loss. Given his occupational history, typical clinical manifestations and radiological findings, an initial diagnosis of accelerated silicosis was proposed and histologically confirmed. The patient was a candidate for lung transplantation. The case demonstrates a rare but largely preventable disease with serious health effects and a poor prognosis.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Dyspnea etiology   MeSH
• Cough etiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Silicon Dioxide adverse effects   MeSH
• Plethysmography methods   MeSH
• Occupational Exposure adverse effects   MeSH
• Silicosis complications   etiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Case Reports MeSH

• MeSH
• Information Systems MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Occupational Diseases epidemiology   prevention & control   MeSH
• Mandatory Reporting MeSH
• Accidents, Occupational prevention & control   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Primary Prevention organization & administration   MeSH
• Safety Management organization & administration   MeSH
• Sentinel Surveillance * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Editorial MeSH