Chest Imaging

Stannosis

(also called tin pneumoconiosis), a rare pneumoconiosis, which develops after heavy or prolonged exposure to tin oxide. It is considered to belong to the category of 'benign' pneumoconiosis, such as siderosis or baritosis.

Tin has a very high radiodensity. Consequently, the radiographic appearance consists of numerous very dense opacities (24 mm diameter) with a more irregular shape than those in siderosis. Kerley B lines are common and represent deposition of dust in the interlobular septa. The hilar shadows are strongly radiopaque but not enlarged. Confluence does not occur. The patient is usually asymptomatic.

JV