Asbestosis

Changed by Prashant Mudgal, 22 Sep 2014

Updates to Article Attributes

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Asbestosis refers to later development of diffuse interstitial fibrosis secondary to asbestos fiber inhalation and should not be confused with other asbestos related diseases 2.

Epidemiology

Asbestosis typically occurs 10-15 years following the commencement of exposure to asbestos and is dose related 3. Heavy asbestos exposure is predominatelypredominantely encountered among men, as most exposure is in the setting of construction, mining or ship/automotive industry.

Clinical presentation

Clinical presentation is insidious and non-specific with shortness of breath prompting imaging. Alternatively, the presence of asbestosis may become evident when a patient presents with other asbestos related diseases.

Pathology

Asbestosis is histologically very similar to usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) with the addition of asbestos bodies 6.

Radiographic features

Chest radiograph

There are no pathognomonic radiological features specific for asbestosis 1. Plain films may show may irregular opacities with a fine reticular pattern. Additional evidence of asbestos exposure such as calcified or non-calcified pleural plaques may be evident.

HRCT

Appearances of asbestosis vary with the duration and severity of the condition. Early manifestations are largely confined to the peripheral region of the lower zones and are subtle. They include:

  • centrilobular dot-like opacities: peribronchiolar fibrosis
  • intralobular linear opacities: reticulation
  • sub pleural lines (often curvilinear)

These changes may be similar in appearance to dependent atelectasis, especially when located posteriorly, and thus supine and prone scans are recommended 3.

As the fibrosis progresses, a number of more definite findings are seen, which continue to be  particularly subpleural and lower lung zone in distribution. They include:

Pleural effusions and pleural plaques are common manifestations of asbestos related disease, however hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy is usually absent. A careful search for malignancy both of the lung (bronchogenic carcinoma) and pleura (mesothelioma) should be undertaken especially in nodal enlargement is seen.

Treatment and prognosis

There is unfortunately no proven treatment for asbestosis, and although termination of exposure is of course essential, it is usually far too late as many years have invariably already elapsed 5-7

Cessation of smoking is also mandatory as the two are independent and synergistic risk factors for bronchogenic carcinoma 5

Progression of disease is variable and appears related to degree of exposure. Some patients remain stable for many years whereas other progress to end-stage pulmonary fibrosis rapidly 6-7

Causes of death include 7:

Differential diagnosis

Consider other causes of pulmonary fibrosis:

  • -<p><strong>Asbestosis</strong> refers to later development of diffuse interstitial fibrosis secondary to <a href="/articles/asbestos">asbestos</a> fiber inhalation and should not be confused with other <a href="/articles/asbestos-related-diseases">asbestos related diseases</a> <sup>2</sup>.</p><h4>Epidemiology</h4><p>Asbestosis typically occurs 10-15 years following the commencement of exposure to asbestos and is dose related <sup>3</sup>. Heavy asbestos exposure is predominately encountered among men, as most exposure is in the setting of construction, mining or ship/automotive industry.</p><h4>Clinical presentation</h4><p>Clinical presentation is insidious and non-specific with shortness of breath prompting imaging. Alternatively, the presence of asbestosis may become evident when a patient presents with other <a href="/articles/asbestos-related-diseases">asbestos related diseases</a>.</p><h4>Pathology</h4><p>Asbestosis is histologically very similar to <a href="/articles/uip">usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)</a> with the addition of <a href="/articles/asbestos-body-1">asbestos bodies</a> <sup>6</sup>.</p><h4>Radiographic features</h4><h5>Chest radiograph</h5><p>There are no pathognomonic radiological features specific for asbestosis <sup>1</sup>. Plain films may show may irregular opacities with a fine reticular pattern. Additional evidence of asbestos exposure such as calcified or non-calcified <a href="/articles/pleural-plaque">pleural plaques</a> may be evident.</p><h5>HRCT</h5><p>Appearances of asbestosis vary with the duration and severity of the condition. Early manifestations are largely confined to the peripheral region of the lower zones and are subtle. They include:</p><ul>
  • +<p><strong>Asbestosis</strong> refers to later development of diffuse interstitial fibrosis secondary to <a href="/articles/asbestos">asbestos</a> fiber inhalation and should not be confused with other <a href="/articles/asbestos-related-diseases">asbestos related diseases</a> <sup>2</sup>.</p><h4>Epidemiology</h4><p>Asbestosis typically occurs 10-15 years following the commencement of exposure to asbestos and is dose related <sup>3</sup>. Heavy asbestos exposure is predominantely encountered among men, as most exposure is in the setting of construction, mining or ship/automotive industry.</p><h4>Clinical presentation</h4><p>Clinical presentation is insidious and non-specific with shortness of breath prompting imaging. Alternatively, the presence of asbestosis may become evident when a patient presents with other <a href="/articles/asbestos-related-diseases">asbestos related diseases</a>.</p><h4>Pathology</h4><p>Asbestosis is histologically very similar to <a href="/articles/uip">usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)</a> with the addition of <a href="/articles/asbestos-body-1">asbestos bodies</a> <sup>6</sup>.</p><h4>Radiographic features</h4><h5>Chest radiograph</h5><p>There are no pathognomonic radiological features specific for asbestosis <sup>1</sup>. Plain films may show may irregular opacities with a fine reticular pattern. Additional evidence of asbestos exposure such as calcified or non-calcified <a href="/articles/pleural-plaque">pleural plaques</a> may be evident.</p><h5>HRCT</h5><p>Appearances of asbestosis vary with the duration and severity of the condition. Early manifestations are largely confined to the peripheral region of the lower zones and are subtle. They include:</p><ul>

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