Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs) - Asbestosis

Question 1

What is Asbestosis?

Answer 1

Diffuse Lower Lung fibrosis related to the inhalation of asbestos that manifests in patients with pleural plaque disease (more than 10 years following exposure).

Question 2

Key Difference between Asbestosis and Mesothelioma.

Answer 2

Asbestosis - Severity associated to length of exposure.

Mesothelioma - even limited exposure can cause it.

Question 3

Clinical Presentation of Asbestosis.

Answer 3

1. SOB.

2. Reduced Exercise Tolerance.

Question 4

Management of Asbestosis.

Answer 4

Conservative.

Question 5

Nature of Asbestos (2).

Answer 5

1. Fibrogenic.
2. Oncogenic.
3. Most Dangerous - Crocidolite (Blue) Asbestosis.

Question 6

Clinical Consequences of Asbestos Inhalation (4).

Answer 6

1. Lung Fibrosis.
2. Pleural Thickening and Pleural Plaques.
3. Adenocarcinoma.
4. Mesothelioma.

Question 7

Pleural Plaques (4).

Answer 7

1. Benign and No Malignant Change.
2. No Follow-Up.
3. Commonest Form.
4. Latency Period - 20-40 Years.

Question 8

Pleural Thickening (1).

Answer 8

Asbestos Exposure - Diffuse Pleural Thickening similar pattern to an empyema or haemothorax.

Question 9

Legal Aspect of Asbestos-Health Conditions.

Answer 9

1. Eligible for Compensation (except Isolated Pleural Plques).
2. Death = Coroner Referral.