Radiologic and pathologic characteristics of mixed dust pneumoconiosis.

Modern radiologic technology has to led to increased diagnostic efficacy and accuracy in demonstrating pulmonary changes secondary to occupational dust exposure. This article presents three cases of typical and two cases of atypical silicosis with rounded atelectasis as seen in computed radiographic (CR), computed tomographic (CT), and scintigraphic images and autopsied lung specimens. Chest radiographs revealed both small rounded and small irregular opacities. Small irregular opacities on chest radiographs often proved to be reticular or honeycomb patterns on CT scans. Irregular opacities seen on CR and CT images represented interstitial fibrotic or mixed dust fibrotic changes associated with the accumulation of birefringent particles and emphysematous change, as noted at histologic analysis. CT scans and scintigrams were useful for visualizing parenchymal abnormalities, especially fibrotic change, emphysematous change, and pleural abnormalities.

[Evaluation of performance in diagnosis of pneumoconiosis using FCR (Fuji Computed Radiography)].

The purpose of this study was to determine the applicability of the FCR system to the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis. In the study, images of pneumoconiosis obtained by FCR were collected from the Rosai Hospital for Silicosis, and the distribution, shape and size of small opacities of pneumoconiosis were determined by three of the authors. An image data base was prepared, and diagnosis of pneumoconiosis using FCR test films was performed by 12 physicians with reference to reduced ILO films. Among the data obtained, data relating to profusion were analyzed. The results were compared with those obtained in the previous study. It was found that, if suitable image processing was carried on FCR test films, profusion could be classified with an accuracy equal to that of the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis with usual full-size films. It was necessary to establish standard films obtained by FCR in order to improve the accuracy of diagnosis of pneumoconiosis using FCR.

[Imaging diagnosis of diffuse infiltrative lung diseases--the role of conventional chest X-ray].

The conventional chest X-ray is still useful tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of the diffuse infiltrative lung diseases. The basic approach to the diagnosis by chest X-ray includes the pattern recognition of the abnormal shadows in the lungs, the predominant distribution of them and the presence of volume loss or of overinflation in addition. Typical cases of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonia show diffuse small nodules or ground glass densities in the beginning and proceed to reticulonodular shadows, and further to the coarse reticular shadows or honeycombing. These changes have the preponderance of lower lobe distribution as well as outer zone distribution. Bullous formation is also frequent findings. The characteristic findings of diffuse panbronchiolitis are diffuse small nodular shadows, overinflation and tram-lines. Middle lobe atelectasis is also associated in considerable number.