Black Lung

An abnormal chest x-ray shows severe scarring (arrows) in the lungs (L) caused by progressive massive fibrosis. This finding is seen in severe black lung disease caused by exposure to coal dust. A normal chest x- ray is shown on the right for comparison; the heart (H), lungs (L), vertebrae (v), and collarbone (C) can be seen.

(Left: AP Fishman, Pulmonary Diseases and Disorders, 1 ed, 1980, McGraw-Hill, Fig. 65-10b; right: MY Chen, Basic Radiology, 1996, McGraw-Hill, Fig. 4-1b; with permission.)