CONVENTIONAL AND HIGH-RESOLUTION CT IN ASYMPTOMATIC ASBESTOS-EXPOSED WORKERS

To compare the value of conventional CT (CCT) and high-resolution CT ( HRCT) to detect benign asbestos-related diseases, 159 exposed workers with a normal chest radiography were imaged by both techniques. Pleura l plaques were detected in a total of 59 cases (37.1%). Ten cases (16. 9%) were detected by CCT only and one case (1.7%) by HRCT only. Pulmon ary lesions compatible with parenchymal asbestosis were detected by HR CT in 20 cases, whereas CCT showed abnormalities in 45% of these. Roun ded atelectasis was equally recognized by both techniques. The results confirm that in a subject with a normal chest radiography, HRCT is a better diagnostic tool to demonstrate lesions of asbestosis. On the ot her hand, HRCT is insufficient to exclude the presence of pleural plaq ues. When HRCT does not reveal pleural abnormalities, CCT should be pe rformed.