[Silicosis and scleroderma--attempt at synopsis].

Progressive systemic sclerosis obviously more frequently appears in men working under silica dust exposure than in professionally not selected groups. Moreover, silicosis and sclerosis frequently occur combined. Pathogenetic association with regard to immunologic patterns may give an explanation for this phenomenon. Sclerosis occuring in the course of silicosis ought to be included when impairment for compensation purposes is taken into consideration.