conglomerate silicosis /kənglom″ərit/ [L, con + glomerare, to wind into a ball] , a severe form of silicosis marked by conglomerate masses of mineral dust in the lungs, causing acute shortness of breath, coughing, and production of sputum. The conglomerates may encroach on the pulmonary circulation, causing pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary fibrosis, and complete disability. Cor pulmonale usually develops.
