Pleural effusion in silicosis of the lung.

I report pleural effusion in a patient with silicosis of the lung and pulmonary massive fibrosis. No specific aetiology for the effusion was detected after thorough investigation and a long follow up period. I speculate that, similar to asbestosis,'2 silicosis of the lung might produce a benign pleural effusion. There are similarities in the inflammatory and exudative tissue response to both types of dust particles.25 I am not aware of any previous reports of association between silicosis of the lung and pleural effusion.