Artificial stone silicosis presenting as suspected Tuberculosis: A series of 3 cases at a district general hospital

• Artificial stone silicosis can present similarly to tuberculosis. • Occupational history with silica exposure is key to suspecting the diagnosis. • Cases are likely to increase, and infectious diseases and respiratory doctors should be aware of this condition. Silicosis is an ancient condition re-emerging globally due to outbreaks of accelerated disease related to the use of artificial stones. The initial presentations of three patients with silicosis due to artificial stone at a district general hospital in London, all of whom presented with clinical symptoms and radiological features assumed to be tuberculosis, are reported. The associations between silica exposure and this infection are also described. This series aims to highlight that artificial stone silicosis is now a significant occupational lung disease in the UK of which clinicians working in infectious diseases should be aware of.