HIGH-RESOLUTION COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY SAMPLING FOR DETECTION OF ASBESTOS-RELATED LUNG-DISEASE

Rationale and Objectives. We determined whether a limited number of hi gh-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans will effectively screen for interstitial lung disease (ILD) in a population of individuals ex posed to asbestos. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the computed t omography studies of 49 patients exposed to asbestos. HRCT in the supi ne and prone positions had been performed at specifically preselected levels. Two teams of thoracic radiologists evaluated, on separate occa sions: (1) all images, (2) prone images only, and (3) a single prone i mage through the lung bases for the presence of diffuse ILD. Results. A relatively high level of accuracy was obtained with a single prone s can. However, improvement to 95% or better was found when additional p rone images were used. Conclusion. A screening study for ILD, in this case patients exposed to asbestos, may be performed by preselected pro ne HRCT images only. The ease and decreased time of performing the pro cedure make screening relatively large patient groups for ILD more fea sible.