# Left vocal cord paralysis revealing chronic mediastino-pulmonary silicosis: a case report

## TL;DR

A man with a history of silica exposure developed hoarseness due to vocal cord paralysis, revealing chronic silicosis.

## Contribution

Highlights a rare presentation of silicosis as a cause of vocal cord paralysis in an occupationally exposed individual.

## Key findings

- Left vocal cord paralysis was caused by calcified mediastinal lymphadenopathy compressing the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
- Chronic mediastino-pulmonary silicosis was diagnosed in a patient with occupational silica exposure.
- Silicosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained vocal cord paralysis in exposed individuals.

## Abstract

Silicosis is one of the most common occupational lung diseases, resulting from prolonged inhalation of crystalline silica dust. We report the case of a 66-year-old man with a history of silica exposure who presented with hoarseness due to left vocal cord paralysis. Imaging revealed calcified mediastinal lymphadenopathy compressing the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, leading to the diagnosis of chronic mediastino-pulmonary silicosis. This rare presentation highlights the need to consider silicosis as a differential diagnosis in cases of unexplained vocal cord paralysis, especially in individuals with occupational exposure to silica.