[An etiological definition of a case of mixed pneumoconiosis due to silicates and coal in the absence of anamnestic data].

A case of pneumoconiosis with unknown occupational history was examined both pathologically and mineralogically by means of a variety of techniques, including analytical scanning and transmission electron microscopy with electron diffraction and energy dispersive x-ray analysis, and electron resonance spectroscopy. The pathologic features consisted of a diffuse interstitial fibrosis with deposits of amorphous and crystalline particles and granulomatous reaction. The identification of minerals, mainly talc, halloysite, coal and chlorite, allowed a definite diagnosis of mixed silicate pneumoconiosis to be made. This is an example of complete pathologic, mineralogic and physico-chemical analysis of a case of pneumoconiosis.