Talcosis in soapstone artisans: High-resolution CT findings in 12 patients

Aim To describe the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) features of pneumoconiosis observed in soapstone artisans. Materials and methods The present study included 12 soapstone artisans with chest radiography abnormalities consistent with the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis, in accordance with the International Labour Office classification. All patients had undergone HRCT, and the images were retrospectively analysed by two chest radiologists, who reached decisions in consensus. Results All patients presented with interlobular septal thickening. Small centrilobular nodules (75%) and ground-glass opacities (67%) were also common findings. The distributions of abnormalities were predominantly diffuse. No pleural abnormality was found. Conclusion The HRCT abnormalities observed in this group of soapstone artisans are similar to those of pure talc pneumoconiosis.