title: Asbestos-related focal lung masses: manifestations on conventional and high-resolution CT scans.
abstract: In 260 asbestos-exposed individuals evaluated by means of computed tomography (CT), 43 unsuspected pulmonary masses were found in 27 individuals. The masses included fissural pleural plaques (n = 10), dense fibrotic bands (n = 3), round atelectasis (n = 11), carcinomas (n = 3), and other presumed benign masses (n = 16). The most helpful features in the diagnosis of rounded atelectasis with CT were (a) contiguity to areas of diffuse pleural thickening, (b) a lentiform or wedge-shaped outline, (c) evidence of volume loss in the adjacent lung, and (d) a characteristic "comet tail" of vessels and bronchi sweeping into the margins of the mass. Less advanced areas of focal atelectasis had fewer classic features. Intrafissural pleural plaques were readily identified with high-resolution CT. In asbestos-related masses, the demonstration of stability over time is necessary. Careful interpretation of CT and high-resolution CT features and close surveillance can obviate the need for biopsy in the majority of instances.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco Medical Center 94143.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Lynch
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gamsu
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Ray
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Aberle
mesh_terms: D001194:Asbestos / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001195:Asbestosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D002283:Carcinoma, Bronchogenic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D001261:Pulmonary Atelectasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D001194:Asbestos