COMPUTER-ASSISTED CLASSIFICATION-SYSTEM FOR CHEST-X-RAY AND COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY FINDINGS IN OCCUPATIONAL LUNG-DISEASE

The ILO classification of pneumoconiotic changes in the lungs and pleu ra has become a standardized and widely accepted method of documentati on in occupational medicine. Recently a classification system for comp uted tomography/high-resolution computed tomography (CT/HRCT) findings in the:lung has been proposed as well. For both classification system s, computed-assisted programs have been developed that allow the stora ge and archiving of the results as well as further statistical process ing. The programs are compatible with usual hard-ware configurations, have comprehensible and transparent structure, and are easy to learn a nd adaptable to individual needs. The use of the computer-assisted cla ssification systems is presented ill the example of an insulator expos ed to asbestos. The system of data documentation and processing has pr oved to be very practicable in the more than 2000 patients studied thu s far.