Ischaemic Cavitation in Conglomerate Silicosis.

The most common cause of cavitation in progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) in patients with silicosis is infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, cavitation of PMF as a result of ischaemic necrosis has also ben identified as a rare entity in silicosis. A 40-year-old male, non-smoker, working as a stonecutter for 30 years presented with a five years history of exertional breathlessness and eight months of dry cough. He had no history of fever, haemoptysis, chest pain, weight loss or loss of appetite. Physical examination was unremarkable.