The Association of Progressive Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma) with Coal Miners' Pneumoconiosis and Other Forms of Silicosis

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Abstract
Twenty-six of 60 consecutive men with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) were coal miners or were engaged for long periods of time in other occupations in which there was prolonged and heavy exposure to silicaceous dusts. With the exception of more frequent respiratory complaints the mode of onset, severity, and course of the PSS did not differ significantly from that observed in patients studied. There was roentgenographic evidence of silicosis in 8 cases, and in 3 others nodular anthraco-silicosis of the lungs and tracheal lymph nodes was found at necropsy. There is evidence which indicates that the prevalence of PSS among coal miners and other men engaged in similar dusty trades is higher than that in the general population, and it is suggested that silicosis may be a pre-disposing factor in the pathogenesis of this disease.

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