Premium
Respiratory Function and the Chest Radiograph: An Epidemiological Study of the Significance of Minor Radiographic Abnormalities
Author(s) -
Musk A. W.,
Gandevia B.,
Williams B.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.596
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-5994
pISSN - 0004-8291
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-5994.1978.tb02396.x
Subject(s) - medicine , chest radiograph , radiography , abnormality , pulmonary function testing , lung , radiology , lung volumes , population , epidemiology , airway , cardiology , surgery , environmental health , psychiatry
Summary: Respiratory function and the chest radiograph: An epidemiological study of the significance of minor radiographic abnormalities. Chest radiographs from 62 actively employed industrial workers were examined by six observers for thickening of bronchial walls, attenuation of midzone vessels, overinflation, and abnormal peripheral markings. One observer's findings, presented in detail, were analysed in terms of the results of a wide range of lung function tests; the performance of the remaining observers is summarised. Although overall lung function for the group was within normal limits, the analysis revealed significant associations between the radiographic signs and functional data. Thickened bronchial walls and abnormal peripheral markings were associated with functional evidence of airway disorders, and midzonal vascular attenuation was associated with a large total lung capacity, evidence of airway obstruction and a reduced diffusing capacity: radiographic overinflation was associated with large total lung capacity and evidence of airway obstruction but no decrease in diffusing capacity. Inter‐ and intra‐observer variation among experienced readers was small considering the lack of precise criteria of radiographic abnormality and the relative normality of the population studied. Less experienced observers showed evidence of a learning effect on their second reading. The findings in this series are consistent with the hypothesis that the chest radiograph provides an index of anatomical abnormality which is reflected in changes in respiratory function. This suggests a hitherto unexplored role for the chest radiograph in epidemiological studies.