The diagnostic accuracy of lymph node silicosis for pulmonary silicosis in South African gold miners

Our findings are consistent with LNS occurring at concentrations of respirable crystalline silica too low to cause PS and possibly being a portent of PS. LNS had deficits as a diagnostic test for PS. The low PPV raises uncertainty about the presence of PS in patients with LNS. LNS may perform better in populations with higher prevalence of silicosis, for example in patients with clinically suspected PS.