ARTIFICIAL STONE-ASSOCIATED SILICOSIS: AN AUSTRALIAN CASE SERIES

TOPIC: Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases TYPE: Fellow Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Artificial stone associated-silicosis (ASAS) is a progressive, fibrotic lung disease caused by inhalation of respirable crystalline silica [1]. The number reported cases ASAS related to occupational exposure artificial increasing rapidly recognised as major public health issue facing Australian workers [2-5]. has clinical radiological features that differ from traditional silicosis.Our aim report the variable case series at tertiary referral centre in Melbourne, Australia. CASE PRESENTATION: We collated six patients presenting our hospital over five year period (2017-2021). Clinical details were obtained medical record including exposure, pulmonary function tests, chest imaging histopathology where available. All identified male with an average age 43.5 years median 43years (range 33-65 years). Five had clear histories other patient exposed variety composite materials stonemason. minimum length prior presentation was 4 years. Corresponding radiology available for all patients, whilst consistent silicosis three yet undergo diagnostic biopsy. DISCUSSION: This highlights risk generated cutting stone. profiles this are similar those both Australia indeed internationally [2-6]. With incidence globally, more research required curb ultimately reduce future. CONCLUSIONS: Ongoing assessing effectiveness personal protective equipment improved workplace practices necessary numbers preventable disease. REFERENCE #1: 1. Leung, C.C.; Yu, I.T.; Chen, W. Silicosis. Lancet 2012, 379, 2008–2018.2. Kramer MR, Blanc PD, Fireman E, et al. (corrected): resurgence among workers. Chest 2012;142:419–24.3. Pérez-Alonso A, Córdoba-Doña JA, Millares-Lorenzo JL, Outbreak Spanish quartz conglomerate Int J Occup Environ Health 2014;20:26–32.4. Pascual S, Urrutia I, Ballaz Prevalence marble factory after conglomerates. Arch Bronconeumol 2011;47:50–1.5. Hoy RF, Baird T, Hammerschlag G, Hart D, Johnson AR, King P, Putt M, Yates DH. stone-associated silicosis: emerging Med 2018;75:3–5.6. León-Jiménez Hidawlgo-Molina Stone Silicosis: Rapid progression following exposure. CHEST 2020; 158(3):1060-1068. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships Asha Bonney, source=Web Response no disclosure on file Matthew Conron; Jae-Kwan Jun; CHONG WENG ONG, Hannah Rouse, Ian Wang,