A Case Report of Accelerated Pulmonary Silicosis: Hazardous Exposure in Underrepresented Community Members

Abstract

A 39-year-old undocumented male immigrant with occupational exposure to quartz, without significant medical history, presented with worsening cough, dyspnea, and weight loss for the past six months, with onset of symptoms starting two years ago. The patient was exposed to silicon dioxide for the past 10 years due to his occupation. Chest x-ray at the time of diagnosis reflected multifocal heterogeneous opacities; CT of the chest demonstrated eggshell calcifications and conglomerate opacities particularly involving the bilateral upper lobes. Transbronchial biopsy reflected non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. In the context of silica dust exposure, these findings suggest the diagnosis of accelerated silicosis. This case report seeks to bring attention to the potential increased risk of occupational diseases in the community members who have high exposure to environmental hazards.