Relationship between the Chest Radiography Manifestation and Pulmonary Function Parameters among Silicosis Sufferers in Molybdenum Mine

Objective To study the affected degree of pulmonary function of silicosis sufferers in molybdenum mine and its relationship with the characteristics of chest X-ray film. Methods The pulmonary function and chest radiography of sixty-five silicosis cases in molybdenum mine and thirty healthy cases were carried out and the pulmonary function parameters in different chest X-ray manifestation were analyzed. Results ⑴With the grading of silicosis category, each pulmonary function parameter decreased gradually. Compared with control group, silicosis cases in radiographic category Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ had significant decrement of all parameters, especially FEV1.0,75,50 and 25(P 0.05=. There were also statistical difference of these four parameters among silicosis cases in category Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ. ⑵ The parameters level of silicosis cases were slightly decrement following the increment of silicotic lesion regions. If progressive massive fibrosis was noted, the parameter FEV1.0,75, 50 and 25 significantly decreased(P 0.05), if the region 4,5 and 6 was affected, no difference was found. ⑶ No relation was found between the change of pulmonary function parameters and form or density of small opacities of silicosis. Conclusion The pulmonary ventilation function is mainly in relation to silicosis category or the formation and the degree of massive fibrosis.