Erasmus Syndrome: Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis With Silicosis

Abstract

This report describes the case of a 30-year-old man with a history of prolonged occupational exposure to silica and coal dust leading to the development of Erasmus syndrome, a rare condition of silicosis associated with autoimmune disease, i.e., systemic sclerosis, in a short period. The patient was a laborer in the mining and construction industry, and he presented within a decade of occupational exposure with progressive dyspnea, chronic cough, skin thickening, inflammatory polyarthritis, and Raynaud's phenomenon. Clinical, radiological, and serological tests revealed "accelerated silicosis-associated diffuse systemic sclerosis". Treatment involved stoppage of occupational exposure to silica and symptomatic and immunosuppressive therapy. The case highlights the significance of occupational silica exposure in the development of autoimmune diseases and stresses the need for early intervention, the initiation of protective measures, and the strict monitoring of permissible silica exposure by regulatory authorities.