Coal worker's pneumoconiosis: CT assessment in exposed workers and correlation with radiographic findings

Article Abstract:

Coal workers are often afflicted with the disease, coal worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP). It is an inflammation of the lungs, often leading to fibrosis (formation of abnormal tissue similar to scar tissue), that is caused by breathing a high concentration of coal dust particles. The lesions seen in CWP are similar to those seen in silicosis, another type of fibrosis of the lungs. This makes CWP difficult to diagnose using X-rays. Computed tomography (CT) has been found to be useful in the diagnosis of similar lung diseases. This study examined the use of CT in the diagnosis of CWP by comparing results of CT with the traditional diagnostic techniques. A group of 170 miners was studied with CT. This group consisted of 86 miners diagnosed with CWP by X-rays and 84 miners who applied for compensation because of CWP, but whose X-rays had not shown CWP. Results of CT from the group that had been diagnosed with CWP showed the presence of micronodules and nodules. Advanced fibrosis of lung tissues was also seen. CT was also able to detect evidence of CWP in 23 percent of the miners with no evidence of CWP on X-rays. CT was much more sensitive in detecting small opacities on the lungs than was the traditional X-ray. CT was also more sensitive in judging the stage to which the disease had advanced. Thus the use of CT can clear up some of the ambiguities that are sometimes seen in the diagnosis of CWP using X-rays alone. CT might also detect CWP earlier than X-rays in cases where the medical history and symptoms suggest that it is present, but there is no evidence on an X-ray. Improvements in CT could make it the standard diagnostic tool for diagnosing CWP, although it is too costly at present to use on a routine basis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Diseases, Pneumoconiosis, Black lung disease, Coal miners

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Use of high resolution computed tomography of the lungs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) may be effective in evaluating possible lung disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). HRCT is a non-invasive imaging technique that generates a detailed cross-sectional image. Doctors evaluated the HRCT lung scans of 38 patients with RA and no respiratory symptoms (group 1), 39 patients with both RA and respiratory symptoms (group 2), and 51 healthy volunteers (control group). HRCT scans revealed lung abnormalities on 29% of the scans from group 1, 69% of the scans from group 2, and 43% of the scans from the control group. The irregularity most frequently found was an abnormal dilation of the air passages (8% in group 1, 51% in group 2). Other lung abnormalities detected were rounded lesions, thickening of the air vessel walls, and emphysema. Ninety percent of the patients diagnosed with lung fibrosis with the HRCT scan had normal chest X-rays.

Innovations

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Pulmonary function tests and high resolution computed tomography of the lungs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

Bronchiectasis appears to be a common dilated airway condition among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) complicated by small airway disease. Forced expiratory volume (FEV) measurements and high resolution lung imaging scans were performed on 68 mostly non-smoking patients with long-term RA. Of the 13.2% of the patients identified with small airway disease as determined by FEV measurements, 71% had bronchiectasis and 75% had frequent bronchitis. Patients with bronchiectasis had low FEV measurements. Other conditions frequently discovered during scanning included areas of trapped air and nodular growths.

Causes of, Bronchiectasis

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