Electrocardiographic signs of chronic cor pulmonale in 40 376 patients with silicosis.

The records of all patients who were examined for silicosis at the Fund of Occupational Diseases between 1972 and 1976 are reviewed. In 3627 cases the mechanographical record was incomplete leaving 40 376 patients in the study. Electrocardiographic signs of chronic cor pulmonale (C.C.P.) were detected in 5.58 per cent. The severity of C.C.P. was evaluated and the prevalence of the different electrocardiographic signs was examined. The presence and severity of C.C.P. was compared to the radiological stage of silicosis, to the pulmonary function, to the duration of professional exposure to the risk of silicosis and to the use of tobacco. The value of the electrocardiographic signs of C.C.P. was evaluated. It is concluded that the mechanographical record obtained in insurance medicine is a valuable tool for statistical analysis of a disease and that C.C.P. is an infrequent and mostly late complication of silicosis.