Asbestosis

Chest Imaging ◽

10.1093/med/9780199858064.003.0066 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 383-386

Author(s):

Joseph T. Azok

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Asbestos Exposure ◽

Chest Ct ◽

Pleural Effusions ◽

Pleural Thickening ◽

Asbestos Fibers ◽

Related Disease ◽

Pleural Plaques ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Asbestos Related Disease

Asbestosis is a fibrotic pneumoconiosis resulting from the inhalation of asbestos fibers, most commonly from occupational exposure. Chest radiographs and high-resolution chest CT can detect asbestos-related disease. Pleural abnormalities include pleural plaques, pleural effusions, pleural thickening, and mesothelioma. Pleural plaques serve as a marker of asbestos exposure and are the most common imaging abnormality found in patients exposed to asbestos. Parenchymal-induced lung disease includes pulmonary fibrosis, known as asbestosis, rounded atelectasis, and lung cancer. Asbestos exposure leads to an increased risk of both lung cancer and especially mesothelioma, which is rare in the absence of asbestos exposure.

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NLRP3 and CARD8 polymorphisms influence risk for asbestos-related diseases

Journal of Medical Biochemistry ◽

10.2478/jomb-2019-0025 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Alenka Franko ◽

Katja Goricar ◽

Viljem Kovac ◽

Metoda Dodic-Fikfak ◽

Vita Dolzan

Keyword(s):

Case Control Study ◽

Asbestos Exposure ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽

Related Disease ◽

Regression Modelling ◽

Pleural Plaques ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Asbestos Related Disease ◽

Control Study

Summary Background This study aimed to investigate the association between NLRP3 rs35829419 and CARD8 rs2043211 polymorphisms and the risk of developing pleural plaques, asbestosis, and malignant mesothelioma (MM), and to study the influence of the interactions between polymorphisms and asbestos exposure on the risk of developing these diseases. Methods The case-control study included 416 subjects with pleural plaques, 160 patients with asbestosis, 154 subjects with MM and 149 subjects with no asbestos disease. The NLRP3 rs35829419 and CARD8 rs2043211 polymorphisms were determined using real-time PCR-based methods. In the statistical analysis, standard descriptive statistics was followed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression modelling. Results Asbestos exposure (medium and high vs low) was associated with the risk for each studied asbestos-related disease. An increased risk of pleural plaques was found for CARD8 rs2043211 AT + TT genotypes (OR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.01–2.16, p = 0.042). When the analysis was performed for MM patients as cases, and pleural plaques patients as controls, a decreased MM risk was observed for carriers of CARD8 rs2043211 TT genotype (OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.27–1.00, p = 0.049). The interactions between NLRP3 rs35829419 and CARD8 rs2043211 genotypes did not influence the risk of any asbestos-related disease. However, when testing interactions with asbestos exposure, a decreased risk of asbestosis was found for NLRP3 CA+AA genotypes (OR = 0.09, 95% CI 0.01–0.60, p = 0.014). Conclusions The results of our study suggest that NLRP3 and CARD8 polymorphisms could affect the risk of asbestos-related diseases.

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Yellow Nail Syndrome with Bilateral Pleural Plaques and Diffuse Pleural Thickening: A Mimic of Asbestos Related Disease

Case Reports in Pulmonology ◽

10.1155/2018/7302898 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-3

Author(s):

Adam Dallmann ◽

Richard L. Attanoos

Keyword(s):

Asbestos Exposure ◽

Electron Microscopic ◽

Yellow Nail Syndrome ◽

Pleural Thickening ◽

Pleural Plaques ◽

Pulmonary Manifestations ◽

Diffuse Pleural Thickening ◽

Mineral Fibre ◽

Asbestos Related Disease ◽

Fibre Analysis

Yellow nail syndrome is a rare acquired condition of unknown aetiology associated with distinct nail discolouration/xanthonychia, pulmonary manifestations, and lymphoedema. Pleural plaques and diffuse pleural thickening are typically, although not exclusively, recognised as markers of prior commercial asbestos exposure. The presence of such biomarkers may assist an asbestos personal injury evaluation. A postmortem examination performed on a 72-year-old man with known long-standing yellow nail syndrome identified pleural plaques and diffuse pleural thickening. An evaluation of the occupational history identified no known asbestos exposure. Electron microscopic mineral fibre analysis detected no asbestos fibres. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case of yellow nail syndrome in which these benign pleural changes are reported ex asbestos. Alternate causes for such pleural pathology were absent. There is merit in physicians and pathologists having an awareness of these new manifestations when considering claimed asbestos related changes during life and at postmortem.

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The role of polymorphisms in glutathione-related genes in asbestos-related diseases

Radiology and Oncology ◽

10.2478/raon-2021-0002 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Alenka Franko ◽

Katja Goricar ◽

Metoda Dodic Fikfak ◽

Viljem Kovac ◽

Vita Dolzan

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Asbestos Exposure ◽

Positive Association ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Related Disease ◽

Pleural Plaques ◽

Asbestos Related Disease

Abstract Background The study investigated the influence of GCLC, GCLM, GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms, as well as the influence of interactions between polymorphism and interactions between polymorphisms and asbestos exposure, on the risk of developing pleural plaques, asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma (MM). Subjects and methods The cross sectional study included 940 asbestos-exposed subjects, among them 390 subjects with pleural plaques, 147 subjects with asbestosis, 225 subjects with MM and 178 subjects with no asbestos-related disease. GCLC rs17883901, GCLM rs41303970, GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null, GSTP1 rs1695 and GSTP1 rs1138272 genotypes were determined using PCR based methods. In statistical analysis, logistic regression was used. Results GSTT1 null genotype was associated with the decreased risk for pleural plaques (OR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.40–0.98; p = 0.026) and asbestosis (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.28–0.93; p = 0.028), but not for MM. A positive association was found between GSTP1 rs1695 AG + GG vs. AA genotypes for MM when compared to pleural plaques (OR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.00–1.94; p = 0.049). The interactions between different polymorphisms showed no significant influence on the risk of investigated asbestos-related diseases. The interaction between GSTT1 null polymorphism and asbestos exposure decreased the MM risk (OR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.03–0.85; p = 0.031). Conclusions Our findings suggest that GSTT1 null genotype may be associated with a decreased risk for pleural plaques and asbestosis, may modify the association between asbestos exposure and MM and may consequently act protectively on MM risk. This study also revealed a protective effect of the interaction between GSTP1 rs1695 polymorphism and asbestos exposure on MM risk.

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Asbestos Exposure in Schools

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.79.2.301 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 79 (2) ◽

pp. 301-305

Author(s):

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Environmental Protection Agency ◽

Structural Integrity ◽

Asbestos Exposure ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Related Disease ◽

Health Strategy ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Asbestos Related Disease

Asbestos-induced cancer and asbestosis are diseases that are almost never seen in children. Practicing pediatricians should not expect to see any asbestos-related disease in their patients. There is a mounting concern, however, that exposure to asbestos in childhood, particularly in school settings, can put children at increased risk later in life for diseases caused by asbestos. Pediatricians are frequently asked to advise school authorities and parents on the dangers posed by asbestos. In this statement, current information on asbestos exposure in schools is reviewed and basic remedial approaches to prevent significant exposure to children are described. BACKGROUND Asbestos was used as a spray-on material in the construction of school ceilings, primarily during the 1950s through early 1970s, because of its acoustical, fire-proofing, and decorative qualities. Such dried materials can, over time, become friable; this process is dramatically speeded up by any external factors that disrupt the structural integrity of the ceiling material. Friable asbestos often flakes off as a fine dust that settles on surfaces but is readily resuspended in classroom air. Asbestos was also used in insulating materials for pipes, boilers, and structural beams in schools. Less commonly, this use of asbestos may be a problem for children when deteriorating conditions lead to disruption and spread of asbestos fibers. In 1973, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned most uses of spray-on asbestos materials. Concern for potential long-term effects in children surfaced dramatically in 1976 when flaking of asbestos ceiling materials was noted in six schools in one state. The initial public health strategy, which continues unchanged, was that (1) medical screening and follow-up of children so exposed should not be recommended because of the transient and uncertain degree of exposure, the probable rarity of significant asbestos-related disease, and the extremely long latent periods (probably 30 or more years) for any effects that might occur, and (2) public health efforts should focus on the prevention of exposure to assure that any long-term risks are minimized or completely removed.

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Introduction to Pleural Disease

Chest Imaging ◽

10.1093/med/9780199858064.003.0027 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 155-158

Author(s):

Christopher M. Walker

Keyword(s):

Pleural Effusion ◽

Asbestos Exposure ◽

Pleural Space ◽

Pulmonary Vasculature ◽

Pleural Disease ◽

Pleural Thickening ◽

Pleural Plaques ◽

Pleural Surface ◽

Pleural Neoplasm ◽

Ct Features

The chapter titled introduction to pleural disease discusses the imaging and clinical features of diseases of the pleura. The pleural space is a potential space located between the visceral and parietal pleural surfaces. Pleural effusion and pneumothorax are the most common manifestations of pleural disease and are caused by a wide variety of disease processes. Pleural thickening may be related to benign or malignant processes. Bilateral discontinuous nodular pleural thickening is characteristic of pleural plaques. Pleural thickening with calcification may also be seen in fibrothorax. Malignant pleural disease may manifest with pleural effusion, pleural nodules or masses, or a combination of the two. There are several CT features suggestive of malignant pleural thickening including circumferential pleural thickening, pleural nodules or masses, involvement of the mediastinal pleural surface, and pleural thickening measuring greater than 1 cm in thickness. Metastatic disease is the most common pleural neoplasm. Mesothelioma is uncommon but remains the most common primary pleural malignancy and is almost always seen in patients with previous asbestos exposure. Pleural abnormalities must be differentiated from pulmonary processes. Pleural masses may exhibit obtuse angles with the adjacent pleural surfaces, displace rather than engulf adjacent pulmonary vasculature, and may exhibit the incomplete border sign.

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Characteristics of asbestos fibers in lung tissue from occupational and environmental asbestos exposure of lung cancer patients in Busan, Korea

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-77291-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hyun-Sung Jung ◽

Eun-Kee Park ◽

Jun-Seok Cha ◽

Jae-Won Lee ◽

Jong-Chun Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Lung Tissue ◽

Asbestos Exposure ◽

Coefficient Of Determination ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Lung Cancer Patients ◽

Asbestos Fibers ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Occupationally Exposed

AbstractThe Asbestos Injury Relief Act in Korea requires that asbestos exposure be assessed through clinical examination and chest computed tomography (CT). However, a more specific measurement of asbestos characteristics in the lung tissue may be appropriate. We aimed to investigate the asbestos burden and characterize asbestos fibers in patients with lung cancer and ultimately assess the relationship between occupational and environmental asbestos exposure and lung cancer in Korea. We evaluated 37 lung cancer patients (LCPs) from Busan. The factors affecting asbestos burden in LCPs were analyzed using a multiple regression analysis. History of asbestos exposure (environmental/occupational), male sex, and old age were the main factors affecting asbestos burden in lung tissues of LCPs. These factors had an approximate 37% adjusted coefficient of determination. There was a significant difference in the length of asbestos fibers (4.06–37.6 µm vs. 4.26–91.7 µm) and aspect ratio (4.5–151.9 vs. 5.6–735.6) between those who were occupationally exposed to asbestos and those who were environmentally exposed (P < 0.01). Therefore, both environmental/occupational exposure to asbestos should be strongly managed to reduce the risk of lung cancer, and exposure should be assessed according to the characteristics of asbestos fibers in the lung tissue.

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Does the presence of emphysema increase the risk of radiation pneumonitis in lung cancer patients?

Current Oncology ◽

10.3747/co.25.4093 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 25 (6) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

G. Kasymjanova ◽

R. T. Jagoe ◽

C. Pepe ◽

L. Sakr ◽

V. Cohen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Radiation Pneumonitis ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Ct Imaging ◽

Chest Ct ◽

Curative Intent ◽

Treatment Protocols ◽

Lung Cancer Patients ◽

Increased Risk ◽

High Doses

Introduction Radiotherapy (rt) plays an important role in the treatment of lung cancer. One of the most common comorbidities in patients with lung cancer is pulmonary emphysema. The literature offers conflicting data about whether emphysema increases the occurrence and severity of radiation pneumonitis (rp). As a result, whether high doses of rt (with curative intent) should be avoided in patients with emphysema is still unclear.Objective We measured the documented incidence of rp in patients with and without emphysema who received curative radiation treatment.Methods This retrospective cohort study considered patients in the lung cancer clinical database of the Peter Brojde Lung Cancer Centre. Data from the database has been used previously for research studies, including a recent publication about emphysema grading, based on the percentage of lung occupied by emphysema on computed tomography (ct) imaging.Results Using previously published methods, chest ct imaging for 498 patients with lung cancer was scored for the presence of emphysema. The analysis considered 114 patients who received at least 30 Gy radiation. Of those 114 patients, 64 (56%) had emphysema, with approximately 23% having severe or very severe disease. The incidence of rp was 34.4% in patients with emphysema (n = 22) and 32.0% in patients with no emphysema (n = 16, p = 0.48). No difference in the incidence of rp was evident between patients with various grades of emphysema (p = 0.96). Similarly, no difference in the incidence of rp was evident between the two treatment protocols—that is, definitive rt 17 (37%) and combined chemotherapy–rt 21 (31%, p = 0.5).Conclusions In our cohort, the presence of emphysema on chest ct imaging was not associated with an increased risk of rp. That finding suggests that patients with lung cancer and emphysema should be offered rt when clinically indicated. However, further prospective studies will be needed for confirmation.

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