Pneumoconioses: Asbestosis Flashcards
What is asbestosis?
Asbestosis fibre exposure either from
- Shipyard work
- Roofing
- Plumbing
- Construction workers
Explain briefly the pathphysiology (similar to general pneumoconioses)
Alveolar macrophages engulf inhaled fibers
Release cytokines and growth factors
Stimulating
- Inflammation
- Oxidative injury
- Collagen deposition
- Ultimately fibrosis
What type of plaques are formed?
- Fibrosis of lung and pleura (plaques)
- Cancer of lung and pleura (mesothelioma)
- Ivory white
- Calcified
- Supradiaphragmatic
- Pleural plaques
are typical of asbestosis
What does asbestosis increase the risk of?
Increased risk for
- Lung carcinoma
- Mesothelioma
- Pleural effusions
Lung carcinoma is MORE COMMON than mesothelioma in exposed individuals
What lobes does asbestosis affect?
LOWER
What other diagnostic methods confirm asbestosis?
Pathologically
Pathologically:
- Asbestos bodies (ferruginous body) are golden brown fusiform rods (iron beads) resembling dumbbells – confirm asbestosis
- Found in alv sputum sample
- Visualised using
Prussian blue stain obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage
What are the clinical findings and symptoms?
Initially asymptomatic
- Slowly progressive dyspnoea
- Nonproductive cough
- Fatigue
- Advanced asbestosis may cause clubbing
What are the complications?
Secondary pulmonary hypertension
Cor pulmonale
Diagnosis?
CXR:
- Linear reticular opacities signifying fibrosis, usually in the peripheral lower lobes
- Pleural plaques
- Honeycombing = advanced disease
Treatment?
No specific treatment exists
Supplemental oxygen
Treatment of heart failure
