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Expert Rev Respir Med 2019 Mar 25;13(3):241-249. Epub 2019 Jan 25.

a Department of Respiratory Medicine , Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital , Perth , WA , Australia.

Introduction: The diagnosis of lung disease in asbestos-exposed individuals is a process that not only requires a detailed occupational and tobacco smoking history, but the correlation with physical signs, appropriate imaging, detailed lung function assessment and histology/cytology when required. Worldwide, the total quantity of asbestos mined is static, having decreased dramatically in developed countries but increased in countries where there is no restriction on mining: for example, Russia, China, Brazil, and Kazakhstan. The predominant diagnostic challenge in most cases of possible asbestos-related disease is the significant interval between exposure and development of the disease. Read More

J Thorac Imaging 2018 Nov 27. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

Cardio-thoracic Research Center of Bordeaux, U1045, CIC 1401.

Rationale: As pleural plaque has been reported as a risk factor in the occurrence of lung cancer and mesothelioma, a reproducible and precise method of measurement of pleural plaque volume (PPV) is needed to further describe these relationships. The aim of the study was to assess the reproducibility of a 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) volumetric analysis of PPV in patients with occupational exposure to asbestos.

Material And Methods: A total of 28 patients were retrospectively randomly selected from the multicenter APEXS (Asbestos Post Exposure Survey) study, which was held between 2003 and 2005. Read More

Transl Lung Cancer Res 2018 Oct;7(5):520-536

Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Paediatrics, Antwerp University, Wilrijk, Belgium.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a tumour related to a historical exposure to asbestos fibres. Currently, the definite diagnosis is made only by the histological examination of a biopsy obtained through an invasive thoracoscopy. However, diagnosis is made too late for curative treatment because of non-specific symptoms mainly appearing at advanced stage disease. Read More

Ind Health 2018 Oct 26;56(5):382-393. Epub 2018 May 26.

Department of Radiology, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Japan.

Two hundred and thirty-three individuals read chest x-ray images (CXR) in the Asian Intensive Reader of Pneumoconiosis (AIR Pneumo) workshop. Their proficiency in reading CXR for pneumoconiosis was calculated using eight indices (X1-X8), as follows: sensitivity (X1) and specificity (X2) for pneumoconiosis; sensitivity (X3) and specificity (X4) for large opacities; sensitivity (X5) and specificity (X6) for pleural plaques; profusion increment consistency (X7); and consistency for shape differentiation (X8). For these eight indices, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe's multiple comparison were conducted on six groups, based on the participants' specialty: radiology, respiratory medicine, industrial medicine, public health, general internal medicine, and miscellaneous physicians. Read More

Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018 Jan 2;31(3):293-305. Epub 2017 Nov 2.

Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany (Institute for Pathology).

Objectives: This study has researched the significance of histologically raised findings and lung dust analyses in the context of claiming the recognition of and thus compensation for an asbestos-associated occupational disease.

Material And Methods: For this approach, all findings from the German Mesothelioma Register in 2015 that included lung dust analyses were evaluated and were compared with information on asbestos fiber exposure at work based on fiber years, and with the results of radiological findings.

Results: For 68 insured persons, recognition of an asbestos-induced lung disease according to Section 4104 of the German Ordinance on Occupational Diseases (Berufskrankheitenverordnung - BKV) could be recommended solely on the basis of the histological examinations of lung tissues and complementary lung dust analyses. Read More

Clin Respir J 2018 Apr 23;12(4):1676-1684. Epub 2017 Nov 23.

Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

Background: Asbestos exposure may cause asbestos-related lung diseases including asbestosis, pleural abnormalities and malignancies. The role of asbestos exposure in the development of small airway obstruction remains controversial. Anatomic and physiologic small airway abnormalities may develop as part of the pathophysiologic process of asbestosis. Read More

ERJ Open Res 2017 Jul 25;3(3). Epub 2017 Aug 25.

School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.

The accurate diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases is important because of past and current asbestos exposures. This study evaluated the reliability of clinical diagnoses of asbestos-related diseases in former mineworkers using autopsies as the reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated. Read More

Arch Bronconeumol 2017 Aug 6;53(8):437-442. Epub 2017 Mar 6.

Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, España.

Asbestos is the term used for a set of mineral silicates that tend to break up into fibers. Its use has been associated with numerous diseases affecting the lung and pleura in particular, all of which are characterized by their long period of latency. Asbestos, moreover, has been recognized by the WHO as a Group IA carcinogen since 1987 and its use was banned in Spain in 2002. Read More

BMJ Open 2016 11 24;6(11):e013324. Epub 2016 Nov 24.

Department of Respiratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK.

Introduction: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an asbestos-related cancer, which is difficult to diagnose. Thoracoscopy is frequently required but is not widely available. An accurate, non-invasive diagnostic biomarker would allow early specialist referral, limit diagnostic delays and maximise clinical trial access. Read More

Am J Ind Med 2017 Jan 16;60(1):20-34. Epub 2016 Nov 16.

Mount Sinai Health System, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, New York.

Background: The purpose of Pre-Adult Latency Study was to evaluate lung findings among adults who had been environmentally exposed to Libby Amphibole only during childhood and adolescence.

Methods: Recruitment was restricted to volunteers who attended primary and/or secondary school, lived in Libby, MT, prior to age 23 years for males and 21 years for females and subsequently left the area. Subjects completed exposure and respiratory questionnaires, underwent pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and chest CT scans. Read More

Lung Cancer 2016 11 5;101:48-58. Epub 2016 Sep 5.

School of Medicine and Pharmacology and National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia and Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.

Imaging plays an important role in the detection, diagnosis, staging, response assessment, and surveillance of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The etiology, biology, and growth pattern of mesothelioma present unique challenges for each modality used to capture various aspects of this disease. Clinical implementation of imaging techniques and information derived from images continue to evolve based on active research in this field worldwide. Read More

Radiol Clin North Am 2016 Nov 27;54(6):1077-1096. Epub 2016 Aug 27.

Department of Radiology, 1959 Northeast Pacific Street, RR 215, Box 357115, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.

Occupational lung diseases span a variety of pulmonary disorders caused by inhalation of dusts or chemical antigens in a vocational setting. Included in these are the classic mineral pneumoconioses of silicosis, coal worker's pneumoconiosis, and asbestos-related diseases as well as many immune-mediated and airway-centric diseases, and new and emerging disorders. Although some of these have characteristic imaging appearances, a multidisciplinary approach with focus on occupational exposure history is essential to proper diagnosis. Read More

Korean J Radiol 2016 Sep-Oct;17(5):674-83. Epub 2016 Aug 23.

Department of Radiology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Korea.

Asbestosis is the most important change noted in the lung parenchyma after environmental and occupational exposure to asbestos fibers. It is characterized by diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. In Korea, the incidence of asbestosis will continue to increase for many years to come and the government enacted the Asbestos Damage Relief Law in 2011 to provide compensation to those suffering from asbestos-related diseases. Read More

Int J Occup Environ Health 2016 04 8;22(2):167-72. Epub 2016 Jul 8.

a Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, University of Sydney , Sydney , NSW , Australia.

Introduction: Global asbestos consumption has shifted toward lower income countries, particularly in the Asian region including Vietnam where asbestos and asbestos-containing products have been imported since the late 1960s.

Methods: This pilot descriptive epidemiological study aimed to provide contemporary estimates of malignant mesothelioma incidence (histological subtype M9050/3; ICD-O-3) by gender and age group as recorded across nine cancer registries in Vietnam.

Results: We identified 148 incident cases of malignant mesothelioma during 1987-2013. Read More

Respirology 2016 11 16;21(8):1419-1424. Epub 2016 Jun 16.

Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.

Background And Objective: Computed tomography (CT)-based studies of asbestos-exposed individuals report a high prevalence of lung cancer, but the utility of low dose CT (LDCT) to screen asbestos-exposed populations is not established. We aimed to describe the prevalence of indeterminate pulmonary nodules and incidental findings on chest LDCT of asbestos-exposed subjects in Western Australia.

Methods: A total of 906 subjects from the Western Australian Asbestos Review Programme underwent LDCT of the chest as part of regular annual review. Read More

Lung 2016 08 14;194(4):501-9. Epub 2016 Jun 14.

Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rua Thomaz Cameron, 438. Valparaiso, Rio De Janeiro, Petrópolis, CEP 25685.120, Brazil.

The aim of this review was to present the main aspects of pleural diseases seen with conventional and advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. This modality is considered to be the gold standard for the evaluation of the pleural interface, characterization of complex pleural effusion, and identification of exudate and hemorrhage, as well as in the analysis of superior sulcus tumors, as it enables more accurate staging. The indication for MRI of the thorax in the identification of these conditions is increasing in comparison to computerized tomography, and it can also be used to support the diagnosis of pulmonary illnesses. Read More

Eur Respir Rev 2016 Jun;25(140):189-98

Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Dept of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Achaia, Greece Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany.

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common but serious condition that is related with poor quality of life, morbidity and mortality. Its incidence and associated healthcare costs are rising and its management remains palliative, with median survival ranging from 3 to 12 months. During the last decade there has been significant progress in unravelling the pathophysiology of MPE, as well as its diagnostics, imaging, and management. Read More

Gastroenterol Res Pract 2016 16;2016:6242149. Epub 2016 Mar 16.

Department of Gastroenterology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei 061001, China.

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma with invasion of the liver is an invariably fatal disease. We aimed to clarify the characteristics of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma cases with liver involvement. The clinical presentation, computed tomography images, and immunohistochemical and histopathological features of 5 patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma and liver involvement were evaluated. Read More

Epidemiol Prev 2016 Jan-Feb;40(1 Suppl 1):51-5

SOD pneumologia, Azienda ospedaliero-universitaria Careggi, Firenze.

In approaching the asbestos-related diseases with CT, both the malignant diseases and the non-malignant disease are to be considered. In the recent publication of the Helsinki Criteria research activities are encouraged in the field of lung cancer screening with low-dose CT (LDCT) in exposed workers and initiatives of data pooling and study protocols standardization are stimulated. Herein, we propose a review of the literature in the light of the Helsinki statement focused on the different techniques of imaging with CT and on the different fields of application in the asbestos-related disease. Read More

J Korean Med Sci 2015 Dec 30;30(12):1896-901. Epub 2015 Nov 30.

Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Korea.

Asbestos related pleuropulmonary disease has been emerging health problem for recent years. It can cause variable clinical symptoms and radiological abnormalities. However, there has been no report for their characteristics in subjects who were environmentally exposed to asbestos. Read More

Am J Ind Med 2015 Apr 24;58(4):378-91. Epub 2015 Feb 24.

The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR).

Background: The Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT) established a screening program in 1985 to examine the health hazards of the sheet metal industry in the U.S. and Canada. Read More

Int J Occup Environ Health 2015 13;21(2):169-71. Epub 2015 Jan 13.

Diffuse pleural thickening (DPT) is a well-recognized consequence of asbestos exposure and often follows a benign asbestos-related pleural effusion. At our tertiary center, in the North West of England where the prevalence of asbestos-related pleural disease is high, we have encountered a series of patients that have had led us to consider a new hypothesis in DPT. We postulate that non-asbestos-related pleural effusions, particularly transudative pleural effusions, caused by heart failure can trigger the development of DPT. Read More

Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 2015 Jul-Aug;44(4):371-82. Epub 2014 Oct 30.

Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, St. Louis, MO.

Asbestos exposure can lead to a variety of adverse effects in the thorax. Although currently in the western world, levels of exposure are kept in check by strict regulations, history of previous asbestos exposure continues to have an effect on many, owing to the latent nature of the pathophysiological response of the body to the inhaled fibers. The adverse effects of asbestos generally fall under 3 categories: pleural disease, lung parenchymal disease, and neoplastic disease. Read More

Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2014 Dec;190(12):1413-20

1 INSERM, U955, Equipe 4, Créteil, France.

Rationale: Although asbestos is a well-known lung carcinogen, the pleural plaque-lung cancer link remains controversial.

Objectives: This study was designed to examine this link in asbestos-exposed workers.

Methods: A 6-year follow-up was conducted to study lung cancer mortality in the 5,402 male subjects participating in an asbestos-related disease screening program conducted from October 2003 to December 2005 in four French regions. Read More

Am J Ind Med 2014 Nov 4;57(11):1197-206. Epub 2014 Jun 4.

Center for Asbestos Related Disease, Libby, Montana.

Background: Residents and mine employees from Libby, Montana, have been exposed to asbestiform amphiboles from the vermiculite mine that operated in this location from the mid-1920s until 1990. Clinical observations show a different form of asbestos-related toxicity than other forms of asbestos.

Methods: Five illustrative cases from the Center for Asbestos-Related Diseases in Libby were selected. Read More

Radiographics 2014 Mar-Apr;34(2):359-72

From the Department of Radiology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, UW Mailbox 357115, Seattle, WA 98195-7115.

Digital tomosynthesis (DTS) of the chest is a technique whose basic components are similar to those of digital radiography, but that also provides some of the benefits of computed tomography (CT). The major advantages of DTS over conventional chest radiography are improved visibility of the pulmonary parenchyma and depiction of abnormalities such as pulmonary nodules. Calcifications, vessels, airways, and chest wall abnormalities are also much more readily visualized at DTS than at chest radiography. Read More

Acad Radiol 2014 Jan;21(1):3-10

Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 4770 Buford Highway NE, MS F57, Atlanta, GA 30341.

Rationale And Objectives: Subpleural fat can be difficult to distinguish from localized pleural thickening (LPT), a marker of asbestos exposure, on chest radiographs. The aims of this study were to examine the influence of body mass index (BMI) on the performance of radiograph readers when classifying LPT and to model the risk of false test results with varying BMI.

Materials And Methods: Subjects (n = 200) were patients being screened or treated for asbestos-related health outcomes. Read More

Am J Ind Med 2013 Dec 22;56(12):1383-93. Epub 2013 Aug 22.

Pulmonary Function Laboratory, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York.

Background: Asbestosis is an interstitial lung disease whose radiographic severity has long been graded by the International Labour Office (ILO) profusion score. Its effect on pulmonary function is further impacted by asbestos related pleural thickening.

Objectives: This report aims to describe the relationships between radiographic grading of interstitial and pleural fibrosis and a key test of pulmonary function, the diffusing capacity, which measures gas exchange and has rarely been assessed in large groups, and to confirm the relationship to an independent test of pulmonary function, the vital capacity, which measures a mechanical property of the lungs. Read More

Clin Imaging 2013 Nov-Dec;37(6):1142-5. Epub 2013 Aug 14.

Department of Radiology, Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, NY 11501, USA. Electronic address:

Primary peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare neoplasm which carries a dismal prognosis. These highly aggressive tumors arise from mesothelial cells lining the peritoneum and are rapidly fatal. The neoplasm is typically associated with crocidolite asbestos exposure. Read More

J Comput Assist Tomogr 2013 Jul-Aug;37(4):626-30

University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Objectives: To evaluate the lungs of asymptomatic asbestos-exposed workers who were screened for lung cancer and mesothelioma using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for parenchymal abnormalities.

Methods: Three hundred fifteen baseline LDCT studies of the chest of participants with at least 20 years' exposure to asbestos or presence of pleural plaques before enrollment on chest radiographs were analyzed.

Results: Three hundred fifteen subjects were studied. Read More

J Occup Environ Med 2013 Jul;55(7):741-5

Center for the Biology of Natural Systems, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, USA.

Objective: Increased availability and technical improvements of computed tomographic (CT) scanning encourages its use for detecting asbestos-related disease. We compared low-dose scans and x-ray films in 2760 workers potentially exposed to asbestos, to assess their ability to detect interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pleural thickening (PT).

Methods: A total of 2760 nuclear workers received radiography and CT scanning (2006 to 2009). Read More

Medicina (B Aires) 2013 ;73(3):224-30

Centro Asistencial Metalúrgico, UOM, Villa Constitución, Santa Fe, Argentina.

Asbestos-related diseases are caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers in their variety chrysotile or white asbestos. Although the ban in Argentina dates from 2003, there are numerous industries where work continues with this mineral, including iron and steel industries. It is currently known the high pathogenicity of this material, so that in many countries there are programs to monitoring the exposed workers. Read More

Clin Radiol 2013 Apr 21;68(4):336-7. Epub 2013 Jan 21.

Department of Radiology, St George's Hospital, St. James' Wing, Blackshaw Road, London, UK.

Rev Epidemiol Sante Publique 2013 Feb 14;61(1):11-20. Epub 2013 Jan 14.

Service de pathologie professionnelle, CHU de Rouen, 76031 Rouen cedex, France.

Background: Underreporting of occupational diseases related to asbestos exposure remains a matter of concern in France. The aim of this study was to evaluate the number of claims for compensation for asbestos-related non-malignant pulmonary or pleural occupational disease in subjects having undergone a chest CT-scan in a multiregional screening programme.

Methods: Among the 5444 voluntary retired asbestos-exposed subjects recruited in four regions between 2003 and 2005 who had undergone a chest CT-scan, the number of claims for compensation for an asbestos-related pulmonary or pleural benign disease was analysed in 2006 and 2010. Read More

Clin Radiol 2013 Apr 21;68(4):376-82. Epub 2012 Nov 21.

Department of Radiology, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Pusan, Republic of Korea.

Aim: To compare chest digital tomosynthesis (DTS) with digital radiography for the detection of asbestos-related pleuropulmonary disease.

Materials And Methods: The institutional review board approved this study and all participants gave informed consent. Forty-five participants with a history of asbestos exposure were examined with DTS and radiography. Read More

Isr Med Assoc J 2012 Sep;14(9):560-5

Institute of Pulmonary and Allergy Diseases, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.

Background: Most studies on asbestos-related diseases describe the associations between exposure and disease and the factors influencing that association. It is recognized that there is a long latency period between exposure and disease, but the health status of affected individuals after long-term non-exposure is uncertain.

Objectives: To describe the changes in pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and computed tomographic imaging of the thorax over a 15 year period after cessation of exposure to asbestos in a cohort of Israeli power plant workers. Read More

Adv Clin Chem 2012 ;57:163-85

UMQER, Respiratory Unit, HHUU Virgen del Rocío, Avda, Manuel Siurot s/n, Seville, Spain.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an extremely aggressive tumor which develops in the epithelial lining of the lungs. Exposure to asbestos is the most influential risk factor for developing this disease. Despite recent advances in the treatment of other types of cancer, patients with mesothelioma currently face a poor prognosis. Read More

Curr Opin Pulm Med 2012 Jul;18(4):377-81

Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Canada.

Purpose Of Review: Asbestos exposure is the cause of significant pleural disease - both benign and malignant. Although there is increased awareness, individuals continue to be exposed, and we will continue to see its sequelae for years to come because of the delay between exposure and disease manifestation. Asbestos-related pleural disease includes pleural plaques, diffuse pleural thickening, benign asbestos-related pleural effusions (BAPEs), and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Read More

Rofo 2012 May 13;184(5):412-9. Epub 2012 Jan 13.

Diagnostische Radiologie, Praxis für Diagnostische Radiologie am St.-Hedwig-Krankenhaus Berlin-Mitte, Berlin.

The recognition of asbestos-related diseases of the lung and/or pleura as an occupational disease is of psychosocial, medical and legal importance to the insured person. Radiological imaging is an essential part of the assessment and requires an increasingly high level of competence in the field of radiological diagnosis of pneumoconiosis in interdisciplinary collaboration with occupational medicine and pneumonology. The chest radiogram remains an integral part of basic diagnostic procedures in asbestos-related diseases of the lungs and/or pleura. Read More

Rev Mal Respir 2012 Apr 5;29(4):529-36. Epub 2012 Apr 5.

Service de radiologie, hôpital Tenon, AP-HP, 4 rue de la Chine, Paris cedex 20, France.

MRI and PET scans are not normally used for screening and follow-up of patients following occupational exposure to asbestos. These examinations usually complement the investigation of a parenchymal mass, an effusion or pleural thickening. PET and MRI have an excellent ability to define a parenchymal lesion as malignant (cancer versus rounded atelectasis) or a pleural lesion (mesothelioma versus plaque). Read More

Occup Med (Lond) 2012 Jun 26;62(4):266-8. Epub 2012 Apr 26.

Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton on Tees, TS19 8PE, UK.

Background: Three forms of asbestos-related benign pleural disease are recognized: discrete pleural plaques, pleural effusions and diffuse pleural fibrosis. Of these, diffuse pleural fibrosis is the most significant on account of its chronicity and associated morbidity.

Aims: The objectives of this study were to determine the latency of asbestos-induced diffuse pleural fibrosis, its presenting features and its clinical course once established. Read More

Pain Med 2011 Sep 11;12(9):1303-8. Epub 2011 Aug 11.

Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Purpose: The aims of this review were to ascertain the incidence of asbestos-related chest pain at presentation in two groups of patients referred with asbestos diseases and the demographics, comorbidities, and chest computed tomography findings associated with chest pain.

Methods: Medical charts of patients presenting 1995-2008, audited for quality assurance, were chosen at random by data managers. Patients with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and angina were excluded. Read More

Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi 2011 May;66(3):553-7

Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan.

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a highly aggressive, incurable neoplasm associated with asbestos exposure. Early detection of MM is not easy and radiological surveillance is imperfect. The use of blood-based biomarkers might solve this difficulty and allow detection of MM at an early stage when combined treatment involving surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy might be effective. Read More

Int J Occup Environ Health 2011 Apr-Jun;17(2):144-53

School of Environmental Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

A pilot study tested the feasibility of conducting occupational health research in Bangladesh while examining prevalence of asbestos-related diseases including asbestosis, work-related respiratory symptoms, and attitudes to occupational health and safety among a group of internal migrant ship breakers. Data was collected on clinical and work history, respiratory symptoms, and occupational health and safety practices in Bengali. A B-reader read all postero-anterior chest x-rays. Read More

Occup Med (Lond) 2011 May 14;61(3):178-83. Epub 2011 Mar 14.

Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishiku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan.

Background: Chest pain may be the first symptom of developing respiratory malignancy, particularly in subjects with asbestos exposure, yet little information exists on this topic.

Aims: To investigate chest pain in a cohort of subjects exposed to asbestos and silica dust applying for compensation.

Methods: Cross-sectional study using a standardized questionnaire. Read More

J Formos Med Assoc 2010 Dec;109(12):928-33

Department of Occupational Medicine, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

A 78-year-old woman complained of twisting-like pain in her left lower chest. During physical examination, friction rubbing was noted in both lungs. Chest radiography showed extensive bilateral pleural calcification. Read More

Clin Cancer Res 2011 Mar 21;17(5):1181-9. Epub 2010 Dec 21.

National Research Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.

Purpose: To examine the clinical utility of soluble mesothelin in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Experimental Design: A total of 97 patients (female: 11; male: 86) were prospectively enrolled, longitudinal serum samples collected, and mesothelin concentrations determined. Baseline mesothelin levels were analyzed relative to tumor stage, presence of metastatic disease, the positron emission tomography (PET) parameters maximum standardized uptake value, tumor volume, total glycolytic volume, and survival. Read More

Jpn J Radiol 2010 Jul 27;28(6):446-52. Epub 2010 Jul 27.

Division of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Department of Radiology, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, 830-0011, Japan.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the results of semiquantitative analysis by(18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with plasma osteopontin levels in the same asbestos-related pleural disease population.

Materials And Methods: A total of 17 patients with asbestos-related pleural disease were prospectively recruited. They underwent PET/CT, and plasma osteopontin levels were measured. Read More

Radiol Oncol 2010 Jun 24;44(2):92-6. Epub 2010 May 24.

Institute of Radiology, University Clinical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Background: 3T high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners have recently become available for the clinical use and are being increasingly applied in the field of whole-body imaging and chest imaging as well. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of 3 T MRI as a complementary imaging modality to CT in detecting the pathological changes of asbestos-related thoracic diseases.

Patients And Methods: Fifteen patients with the asbestos-related thoracic disease were scheduled for 3T MRI. Read More

Radiology 2010 Jun;255(3):681-2