Asbestosis

A nodular interstitial fibrosis occurring in workers who are exposed to asbestos fibers long-term

Cigarette smoking increases the prevalence of pleural and parenchymal changes and markedly increases the incidence of lung carcinoma

Inexorably progressive dyspnea, inspiratory crackles

Clubbing and cyanosis present in some patients

Lower lung zones involved more than upper lung zones

Pulmonary function tests typically show a restrictive defect and reduced diffusing capacity

Radiographic features

• Linear streaking at the lung bases

• Opacities of various shapes and sizes

• Honeycomb changes in advanced cases

• Presence of pleural calcifications

High-resolution CT scanning is the best imaging method for asbestosis because of its ability to detect parenchymal fibrosis and define the presence of coexisting pleural plaques

No specific treatment