1. Libby Amphibole Disease: Pulmonary Function and CT Abnormalities in Vermiculite Miners.
- Author
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Miller A, Szeinuk J, Noonan CW, Henschke CI, Pfau J, Black B, Yankelevitz DF, Liang M, Liu Y, Yip R, McNew T, Linker L, and Flores R
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, Aluminum Silicates, Female, Forced Expiratory Volume, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Montana, Occupational Diseases etiology, Occupational Diseases physiopathology, Pleural Diseases etiology, Pleural Diseases physiopathology, Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Vital Capacity, Asbestos, Amphibole adverse effects, Mining, Occupational Diseases diagnostic imaging, Occupational Exposure adverse effects, Pleura diagnostic imaging, Pleural Diseases diagnostic imaging
- Abstract
Objective: This article describes radiologic and pulmonary function findings among miners exposed to Libby amphibole. Computed tomography (CT) permits the detection of the characteristic thin, lamellar pleural thickening (LPT)., Methods: Individuals who worked at the mine for a minimum of 6 months had chest CT and pulmonary function tests., Results: Pleural thickening was noted in 223 (87%) of the 256 miners, parenchymal abnormalities in 49 (19%). LPT, found in 151 (68%), was associated with low values of forced vital capacity and diffusion capacity and significantly lower values in all pulmonary function tests when associated with parenchymal abnormalities., Conclusion: Eighty-seven percent of miners exposed to Libby Amphibole had pleural abnormalities on CT. LPT alone, and more so with parenchymal abnormalities, resulted in decreased pulmonary function. The importance of this easily missed LPT is demonstrated by its high frequency and significant functional effects.
- Published
- 2018
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