Egg shell calcifications in hilar lymph nodes are most consistent with which pneumoconiosis?

Egg shell calcifications in hilar lymph nodes are most consistent with which pneumoconiosis?

• A. Asbestosis
• B. Silicosis
• C. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• D. Coal workers' pneumoconiosis

Answer: (B)

Eggshell calcification of hilar lymph nodes is a classic radiographic clue for silicosis. Inhaled crystalline silica causes granulomatous nodules that tend to form in the upper lungs, and the hilar lymph nodes can develop a thin, rounded calcified rim. This pattern is most characteristic of silicosis and helps distinguish it from other pneumoconioses. Asbestosis typically shows pleural plaques and lower-lobe fibrosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis presents with diffuse interstitial inflammation and nodules rather than calcified hilar rings, and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis shows upper-lobe nodules with potential fibrosis but lacks the classic eggshell pattern.

Eggshell calcification of hilar lymph nodes is a classic radiographic clue for silicosis. Inhaled crystalline silica causes granulomatous nodules that tend to form in the upper lungs, and the hilar lymph nodes can develop a thin, rounded calcified rim. This pattern is most characteristic of silicosis and helps distinguish it from other pneumoconioses. Asbestosis typically shows pleural plaques and lower-lobe fibrosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis presents with diffuse interstitial inflammation and nodules rather than calcified hilar rings, and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis shows upper-lobe nodules with potential fibrosis but lacks the classic eggshell pattern.