[Dynamics of interstitial silicosis in relation to the state of the intrathoracic lymphatic system].

The time course of interstitial silicosis in 150 patients was investigated retrospectively by the roentgenograms for a follow-up varying from 2 to 20 years. It was shown that silicosis progress followed the affection of the intrathoracic lymph nodes. The latter was mainly predetermined by tuberculous infection in person working under silicosis-hazardous and unfavourable sanitary and hygienic conditions. The picture of pulmonary lesions developing after adenopathy in patients with silicosis was roentgenologically completely identical to that of polymorphous tuberculosis. In this connection it was recommended that thorough clinical and bronchological examinations for silicotuberculosis of adenogenic genesis be performed in all the cases with progressing silicosis.