Mod 2-3 Asbestosis Flashcards
What is pneumoconioses caused by?
Occupational exposure to certain irritating dusts and fibers that can cause severe pulmonary disease and can produce an array of radiographic findings.
What can inhaling dusts and fibers cause?
Chronic interstitial inflammation that leads to pulmonary fibrosis.
What is the most common pneumoconioses?
Asbestosis
What is asbestos?
A fibrous material that was commonly used 30 and more years ago in roofing and insulation materials in homes and businesses; in acoustic products, brake linings, cement, floor tiles and fireproof paints.
Who are at risk for developing asbestosis?
Employees or former employees of companies that mine asbestos minerals or manufacture/install/remove products containing asbestos. Family members of these workers are also at risk and those who go to school/work in old buildings containing asbestos products/particles.
What is pneumoconioses?
a disease of the lungs due to inhalation of dust, characterized by inflammation, coughing, and fibrosis.
What is fibrosis?
Scarring
What is the definition and etiology of asbestosis?
Lung disease caused by long term inhalation of asbestos fibers. Characterized by pulmonary and pleural fibrosis.
What s the outcome of long-term inhalation of asbestosis fibers?
Pulmonary and pleural fibrosis (scarring).
What does the probability of developing asbestosis depend on?
- The concentration of the asbestos in the dust
- The duration of exposure
- Patient’s response
How long does it take to develop asbestosis?
15-20 years of constant occupational exposure.
How many people have been occupationally exposed to asbestos between 1940 and 1979?
Over 25 million
What may a patient with asbestosis complain of?
Dyspnea (SOB) on exertion
What can happen if extensive interstitial and pleural fibrosis is present?
Patient may complain of dyspnea at rest and a dry cough. Cough may be productive with smokers. Also may have pleuritic chest pain or retrosternal pain.
What is the radiographic hallmark of asbestosis?
Involvement of the peura.
Initially ______ plaques show along the _____ chest wall and the ______ causing the area to appear ________.
linear; lower; diaphragm; thickened.
What happens to the plaques as the disease progresses?
They calcify showing a pattern of thin, curving densities following the upper surfaces of the diaphragm bilaterally.
Calcifications do not develop until at least ___ years after the first exposure to asbestos.
20
What are the arrows pointing to on the radiographic image of asbestosis?
Areas of pleural calcification
The rounded and linear densities developed in both lungs and obscure the heart border create what effect?
“Shaggy heart”
____________ carcinomas occure more frquently.
Bronchogenic
Mesothelioma may develop on ________.
pleura
What is mesothelioma?
a cancer of mesothelial (thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs) tissue, associated especially with exposure to asbestos
The _____ and ______ will show radiographic manifestations of asbestosis.
lungs; pleura
Waht is the most severe complication of asbestosis that can be seen radiographically as well?
The development of malignant neoplasms in the lungs or on the pleura.
What occurs with unusually high frequency in those with asbetosis?
- Bronchogenic carcinoma
- Aggressive mesothelioma of the pleura
What effect does asbestosis have on radiographic technique?
Asbestosis in it’s advanced state creates a density and is therefore considered ahrd to penetrate. Increase technique because of additive components.
