title: Clinical Investigation of Benign Asbestos Pleural Effusion.
abstract: There is no detailed information about benign asbestos pleural effusion (BAPE). The aim of the study was to clarify the clinical features of BAPE. The criteria of enrolled patients were as follows: (1) history of asbestos exposure; (2) presence of pleural effusion determined by chest X-ray, CT, and thoracentesis; and (3) the absence of other causes of effusion. Clinical information was retrospectively analysed and the radiological images were reviewed. There were 110 BAPE patients between 1991 and 2012. All were males and the median age at diagnosis was 74 years. The median duration of asbestos exposure and period of latency for disease onset of BAPE were 31 and 48 years, respectively. Mean values of hyaluronic acid, adenosine deaminase, and carcinoembryonic antigen in the pleural fluid were 39,840 ng/mL, 23.9 IU/L, and 1.8 ng/mL, respectively. Pleural plaques were detected in 98 cases (89.1%). Asbestosis was present in 6 (5.5%) cases, rounded atelectasis was detected in 41 (37.3%) cases, and diffuse pleural thickening (DPT) was detected in 30 (27.3%) cases. One case developed lung cancer (LC) before and after BAPE. None of the cases developed malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) during the follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Okayama Rosai Hospital, 1-10-25 Chikkomidorimachi, Okayama 7028055, Japan.
authors.forename: Nobukazu
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fujimoto
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama Rosai Hospital, 1-10-25 Chikkomidorimachi, Okayama 7028055, Japan ; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Chugoku Chuo Hospital, Fukuyama 7200001, Japan.
authors.forename: Kenichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gemba
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Yamaguchi-Ube Medical Center, 685 Higashikiwa, Ube 7550241, Japan.
authors.forename: Keisuke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Aoe
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Okayama 7008558, Japan ; Department of Diagnostic Radiology 2, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama 7008505, Japan.
authors.forename: Katsuya
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kato
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Asahi Rosai Hospital, 61 Hirakochokita, Owariasahi 4880875, Japan.
authors.forename: Takako
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yokoyama
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Asahi Rosai Hospital, 61 Hirakochokita, Owariasahi 4880875, Japan.
authors.forename: Ikuji
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Usami
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kobe Rosai Hospital, 4-1-23 Kagoikedori, Chuoku, Kobe 6510053, Japan.
authors.forename: Kazuo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Onishi
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Toyama Rosai Hospital, 992 Rokuromaru, Uozu 9370042, Japan.
authors.forename: Keiichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mizuhashi
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chiba Rosai Hospital, 2-16 Tatsumidaihigashi, Ichihara 2900003, Japan.
authors.forename: Toshikazu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yusa
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama Rosai Hospital, 1-10-25 Chikkomidorimachi, Okayama 7028055, Japan.
authors.forename: Takumi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kishimoto
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001194:Asbestos / Q000009:adverse effects; D001195:Asbestosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D002273:Carcinogens; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001261:Pulmonary Atelectasis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000069258:Thoracentesis; D035423:Thoracic Cavity / Q000737:chemistry*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D002273:Carcinogens; D001194:Asbestos