Talcosis

Last revised by Joshua Yap on 18 Jul 2022

Talcosis is a type of pneumoconiosis and can be prevalent in intravenous drug users. It is one of the four recognised types of talc-induced lung disease.

Talc (magnesium silicate) is used in the preparation of tablets intended for oral use, where it acts as a 'filler' and lubricant. When these tablets are ground down, dissolved and injected for illicit use, the talc accumulates in the pulmonary circulation. These deposits result in small foreign body reaction granulomas, which are birefringent under polarised light. If use is persistent the nodules can coalesce to form larger masses.

Intrinsically hyperdense micronodules (<1 mm) can be visible on CT.

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