An etiological definition of a case of mixed pneumoconiosis due to silicates and coal in the absence of anamnestic data
Bellis, D.; Belluso, E.; Burlo, P.; Ferraris, G.; Fubini, B.; Volante, M.; Bolis, V.; Mollo, F.
La Medicina del Lavoro 85(2): 122-133
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-7818 PMID: 8072440 Document Number: 435685
A case of pneumoconiosis with unknown occupational history was examined both pathologically and mineralogically by means of a variety of techniques, including analytical scanning and transmission electron microscopy with electron diffraction and energy dispersive x-ray analysis, and electron resonance spectroscopy. The pathologic features consisted of a diffuse interstitial fibrosis with deposits of amorphous and crystalline particles and granulomatous reaction. The identification of minerals, mainly talc, halloysite, coal and chlorite, allowed a definite diagnosis of mixed silicate pneumoconiosis to be made. This is an example of complete pathologic, mineralogic and physico-chemical analysis of a case of pneumoconiosis.