Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a clinical-radiologic syndrome.
CXR Findings: Diffuse mid and lower interstitial lung changes often with fibrosis and lung distortion. Asbestos related markers may be associated.
Clinical Clues: Suspect in patients with a history of chronic asbestos exposure, usually occupational related. They may get restrictive, obstructive and diffusion lung function deficits which are compensable.
High resolution CT of the thorax is required to confirm the diagnosis and assess the anatomic extent of the disease.
"Aunt Sophies": If there are no other asbestos related markers, the radiologic findings may be similar to:
- idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- collagen vascular diseases (eg. rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma)
- chronic aspiration and fibrosis
- interstitial lung disease (collagen vascular diseases, drugs)
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