Splenic Silicosis Accompanying Chronic Complicated Silicosis: A Rare Systemic Manifestation of Silica Exposure - A Case Report.

Abstract

Silicosis is an occupational pulmonary disease caused by prolonged inhalation of crystalline silica particles. Although it predominantly affects thoracic structures, extrapulmonary or systemic manifestations are rare. We report a 60-year-old male who worked as a grinder in a quartz mill for 7 years and presented with advanced dyspnea and chronic cough. Imaging revealed bilateral progressive massive fibrosis and radiodense nodules in the spleen. Splenic involvement, also known as splenic silicosis, is an exceptionally rare entity and was detected incidentally during radiological evaluation. This case highlights the potential for systemic dissemination of silica particles and contributes to the limited literature on extrapulmonary silicosis.