Posts Categorized: Articles

Trust Disqualifications

Trust Disqualifications:  Often based upon their misunderstanding the definitions or the science, which you can explain: Film Quality is Not Necessarily a Disqualifier for ILO Grading:   Film Quality, Grade I, is ideal, which is rare, especially in older adults; Grade II is the average Film Quality where there are minor positional or overlapping structure… Read more »

CT&HRCT Concepts in Asbestos Screening

CT&HRCT Concepts in Asbestos Screening: In general, there are 4 major lesions one is concerned about in general in asbestos CT/HRCT screenings: Is there asbestosis – scarring of the lungs? Are there pleural plaques – scarring of the chest wall lining? Is there a cancer or mesothelioma (a type of “cancer” of the chest wall… Read more »

Unilateral Plaquing Explanation

Unilateral Plaquing Explanation: The concept of bilateral calcified pleural plaquing comes from the time of chest x-rays only, prior to CT and HRCT scanning, when a definite diagnosis of pleural plaquing was made by the visualization of bilateral calcified pleural plaques compared to non-calcified chest wall thickening or other superimposed densities, such as muscle slips…. Read more »

Profusion Ratings on CT/HRCT Scans

PROFUSION RATINGS ON CT/HRCT SCANS: Although the CDC/NIOSH has not come out with an official set of standard images showing interstitial profusion of small irregular opacities of asbestosis on CT or HRCT, there are many lectures, journal articles and peer-reviewed textbooks that show examples of normal lung tissue, mild interstitial lung disease, moderate interstitial lung… Read more »

Asbestosis: Introduction

Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of magnesium silicate minerals that are nearly indestructible, being resistant to heat and chemicals and having incredible insulating characteristics, as well as adding strength to resins and cements. There are two types of asbestos – serpentines, which are long curly fibers and amphiboles, which are straight, short needle-like fibers…. Read more »