title: Clinical correlation of asbestos bodies in BAL fluid.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, Bellevue Hospital, NB 7N24, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
authors.forename: Pratan
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vathesatogkit
authors.forename: Timothy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Harkin
authors.forename: Doreen J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Addrizzo-Harris
authors.forename: Marion
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bodkin
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Crane
authors.forename: William N
authors.initials: WN
authors.lastname: Rom
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D001194:Asbestos