Caplan’s syndrome – rare pneumoconioses in clinical practice: case report

Pneumoconioses are among the most frequently diagnosed occupational diseases in Poland, with collagenous pneumoconiosis forming a significant subgroup. These diseases develop as a result of exposure to fibrogenic dusts. One of the rare forms of such conditions is Caplan's syndrome - a rheumatoid type of pneumoconiosis characterized by the coexistence of pulmonary nodular lesions and rheumatoid arthritis. This condition is rarely diagnosed, most commonly among individuals occupationally exposed to silicate dust, such as coal miners. This article presents a case of a men with Caplan's syndrome qualified as occupational background just in the second instance of medical certification. A thorough re-evaluation of the patient's occupational and medical history confirmed a causal relationship between the development of the disease and exposure to silicate dust in his profession as a dental technician. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges resulting from the common misconception that Caplan's syndrome occurs exclusively in coal miners, whereas the risk extends to various occupational groups exposed to silicate dust. The described case underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to clinical and occupational assessment in the diagnosis of pneumoconioses, particularly in the context of rare disease entities. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2026;77(1):81-88.