title: High-resolution CT in silicosis: correlation with radiographic findings and functional impairment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in silicosis and to better define the role of HRCT in early detection of parenchymal abnormalities in silica-exposed workers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-one stone carvers were evaluated with chest radiographs (CR), HRCT, and pulmonary function tests (PFT). Inter-reader agreement was calculated using the kappa statistic (k). Correlation between radiographic and HRCT profusion scores and PFT was assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most common HRCT findings were branching centrilobular structures, seen in 28/41 workers (68.3%). Nodules consistent with silicosis were detected in 53.7% workers on CR and in 56.1% workers on HRCT. Inter-reader agreement for diagnosis of silicosis was better on HRCT (k = 0.84) than on CR (k = 0.54). Small opacity profusion on HRCT correlated inversely with total lung capacity and FVC%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Profusion of opacities on HRCT correlates with functional impairment. The presence of branching centrilobular structures may be helpful in early recognition of silicosis.
authors.affiliation: Pulmonary Division, Heart Institute (InCor), HC, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. VAntao@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Vinicius Cavalcanti dos Santos
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Antao
authors.forename: Germania Araujo
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Pinheiro
authors.forename: Mário
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Terra-Filho
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kavakama
authors.forename: Nestor L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Müller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012829:Silicosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed