Clinical correlation of asbestos bodies in BAL fluid.
BACKGROUND
Asbestos bodies (AB) in BAL cells are specific markers of asbestos exposure.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed BAL cytocentrifuge slides of 30 utility workers with a history of asbestos exposure and 30 normal volunteers. BAL cytocentrifuge slides were blinded and scanned under 40 x light microscope.


RESULTS
AB were found more frequently in subjects with a history of asbestos exposure compared to normal volunteers (10 of 30 subjects, 33%, vs 0 of 30 subjects). The mean number of AB seen in the AB-positive group was 2.7 per slide. Demographic data were comparable including age, gender, and smoking. Exposure histories were also similar: duration > 20 years, onset > 30 years ago, and time since last exposure > 7 years. More AB-positive patients reported respiratory symptoms (70% vs 26%, p < 0.05). High-resolution CT scans of AB-positive patients revealed a higher prevalence of parenchymal disease (70% vs 26%, p < 0.05). AB-positive subjects had reduced pulmonary function compared to AB-negative subjects: FVC (86% vs 97% predicted), FEV(1) (77% vs 92% predicted, p < 0.05), and diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (76% vs 104% predicted, p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
In individuals with a history of asbestos exposure, the presence of AB in BAL cells is associated with higher prevalence of parenchymal abnormalities, respiratory symptoms, and reduced pulmonary function.
Vathesatogkit
Pratan
P
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, Bellevue Hospital, NB 7N24, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Harkin
Timothy J
TJ
Addrizzo-Harris
Doreen J
DJ
Bodkin
Marion
M
Crane
Michael
M
Rom
William N
WN
D001194:Asbestos / Q000032:analysis*; D001195:Asbestosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000166:cytology*; D002498:Centrifugation; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D011653:Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000502:physiology
D001194:Asbestos