Which of the following are true regarding silicosis?
a) It predominantly affects the lower lobes in acute silicoproteinosis
b) It mimics sarcoidosis on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT)
c) Emphysema is associated with the development of progressive massive fibrosis
d) It is a more frequent cause of nodal egg-shell calcification on radiograph than
coal miner’s pneumoconiosis
e) Impairment of the lung function test correlates best with the profusion of nodules
b) It mimics sarcoidosis on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) – This is true. Silicosis can have a similar appearance to sarcoidosis on HRCT, including the presence of nodules and lymphadenopathy.
d) It is a more frequent cause of nodal egg-shell calcification on radiograph than coal miner’s pneumoconiosis – This is true. Silicosis is more commonly associated with egg-shell calcification of lymph nodes compared to coal miner’s pneumoconiosis.