Rounded atelectasis in an asbestos exposed worker.
The case history is presented of a 51-year-old electrical power worker with a history of asbestos exposure presenting with rounded atelectasis. No other radiological markers of asbestos exposure were present. A documented history of asbestos exposure and exclusion of other causes of rounded atelectasis led to the diagnosis of asbestos related rounded atelectasis. It is important to understand that rounded atelectasis can be an isolated finding due to asbestos exposure. This facilitates investigation of lung masses of unknown etiology and initiation of appropriate follow up of patients at risk for future development of more debilitating asbestos related pathology.
Occupational & Environmental Health Clinic, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada. aaron.thompson@utoronto.ca
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A
Thompson
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Wills
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House
D001194:Asbestos / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D001261:Pulmonary Atelectasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*
D001194:Asbestos