Mod 2-3 Asbestosis

Question 1

What is pneumoconioses caused by?

Answer 1

Occupational exposure to certain irritating dusts and fibers that can cause severe pulmonary disease and can produce an array of radiographic findings.

Question 2

What can inhaling dusts and fibers cause?

Answer 2

Chronic interstitial inflammation that leads to pulmonary fibrosis.

Question 3

What is the most common pneumoconioses?

Answer 3

Asbestosis

Question 4

What is asbestos?

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Who are at risk for developing asbestosis?

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

What is pneumoconioses?

Answer 6

a disease of the lungs due to inhalation of dust, characterized by inflammation, coughing, and fibrosis.

Question 7

What is fibrosis?

Answer 7

Scarring

Question 8

What is the definition and etiology of asbestosis?

Answer 8

Lung disease caused by long term inhalation of asbestos fibers. Characterized by pulmonary and pleural fibrosis.

Question 9

What s the outcome of long-term inhalation of asbestosis fibers?

Answer 9

Pulmonary and pleural fibrosis (scarring).

Question 10

What does the probability of developing asbestosis depend on?

Answer 10

• The concentration of the asbestos in the dust
• The duration of exposure
• Patient’s response

Question 11

How long does it take to develop asbestosis?

Answer 11

15-20 years of constant occupational exposure.

Question 12

How many people have been occupationally exposed to asbestos between 1940 and 1979?

Answer 12

Over 25 million

Question 13

What may a patient with asbestosis complain of?

Answer 13

Dyspnea (SOB) on exertion

Question 14

What can happen if extensive interstitial and pleural fibrosis is present?

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

What is the radiographic hallmark of asbestosis?

Answer 15

Involvement of the peura.

Question 16

Initially ______ plaques show along the _____ chest wall and the ______ causing the area to appear ________.

Answer 16

linear; lower; diaphragm; thickened.

Question 17

What happens to the plaques as the disease progresses?

Answer 17

They calcify showing a pattern of thin, curving densities following the upper surfaces of the diaphragm bilaterally.

Question 18

Calcifications do not develop until at least ___ years after the first exposure to asbestos.

Answer 18

20

Question 19

What are the arrows pointing to on the radiographic image of asbestosis?

Answer 19

Areas of pleural calcification

Question 20

The rounded and linear densities developed in both lungs and obscure the heart border create what effect?

Answer 20

“Shaggy heart”

Question 21

____________ carcinomas occure more frquently.

Answer 21

Bronchogenic

Question 22

Mesothelioma may develop on ________.

Answer 22

pleura

Question 23

What is mesothelioma?

Answer 23

a cancer of mesothelial (thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs) tissue, associated especially with exposure to asbestos

Question 24

The _____ and ______ will show radiographic manifestations of asbestosis.

Answer 24

lungs; pleura

Question 25

Waht is the most severe complication of asbestosis that can be seen radiographically as well?

Answer 25

The development of malignant neoplasms in the lungs or on the pleura.

Question 26

What occurs with unusually high frequency in those with asbetosis?

Answer 26

• Bronchogenic carcinoma
• Aggressive mesothelioma of the pleura

Question 27

What effect does asbestosis have on radiographic technique?

Answer 27

Asbestosis in it’s advanced state creates a density and is therefore considered ahrd to penetrate. Increase technique because of additive components.