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High‐resolution computed tomography abnormalities in ex‐insulators annually exposed to asbestos dust
Author(s) -
Soulat J.M.,
Lauque D.,
Esquirol Y.,
Déprés M.,
Giron J.,
Claudel R.,
Carles P.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0274(199912)36:6<593::aid-ajim1>3.0.co;2-z
Subject(s) - medicine , asbestos , pleural thickening , asbestosis , spirometry , radiology , high resolution computed tomography , pulmonary function testing , respiratory disease , parenchyma , lung , pleural disease , computed tomography , nuclear medicine , pathology , asthma , materials science , metallurgy
Background characterize To the effects of high asbestos exposure during annual periods of insulation. Method 170 ex‐workers underwent clinical examination, spirometry, standard chest X‐rays and high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Asbestos exposure was retrospectively assessed for latency, duration, and intensity. Results Sixty‐six percent of these workers were annually exposed to high concentrations of asbestos dust. Respiratory symptoms were mild. One hundred and nineteen subjects had pleural or pulmonary changes on HRCT, compatible with asbestos exposure. Localized pleural thickening was found in 113 subjects (66.5%); pulmonary nodules or lines in 35 (20.6%). The presence of pleural plaques was linked to intensity of asbestos exposure (P < .01), and length of employment (P < .05). Parenchymal lesions were related to intensity (P < .05) and duration of exposure (P < .05). Lung function of subjects with X‐ray changes was not significantly altered. Conclusions Annual asbestos exposure led to a high prevalence of pleural plaques and to mild parenchymal anomalies. Am. J. Ind. Med. 36:593–601, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.