AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1986 Feb;146(2):295-301.
Talc: understanding its manifestations in the chest.
Abstract
Four
distinct forms of pulmonary disease caused by talc have been defined.
The first form, talcosilicosis, is caused by talc mined with
high-silica-content mineral. Findings in this form are identical with
those of silicosis. Talcoasbestosis closely resembles asbestosis and is
produced by crystalline talc, generally inhaled with asbestos fibers.
Pathologic and radiographic abnormalities are virtually identical with
those of asbestosis, including calcifications and malignant tumor
formation. The third form, talcosis, caused by inhalation of pure talc,
may include acute or chronic bronchitis as well as interstitial
inflammation; radiographically, it appears as interstitial reticulations
or small, irregular nodules, typical of small-airway obstruction. The
fourth form, due to intravenous administration of talc, is usually
associated with abuse of oral medications and production of vascular
granulomas manifested by consolidations, large nodules, and masses.
Radiographic abnormalities associated with talc can be predicted when
there is sufficient history of the nature of exposure, including the
region of origin of the talc in cases of inhalation. Radiographic
changes, such as diaphragmatic plaques, often attributed to both talc
and asbestos have not been documented to be caused by talc alone. The
author provides review of 18 well-documented cases.
(COMMENT: still used in some baby powders).
(COMMENT: still used in some baby powders).
