Which chest radiograph finding is characteristic of asbestosis?

Which chest radiograph finding is characteristic of asbestosis?

• A. Pleural calcifications, plaques and thickening
• B. Lobar pneumonia
• C. Cavitation
• D. Pleural effusion

Answer: (A)

Pleural plaques with calcification are the classic radiographic sign of asbestos exposure. These plaques are fibrous thickening of the parietal pleura, often appearing on the diaphragmatic surfaces and lateral chest walls, and calcification can occur as people age. They indicate prior asbestos exposure and are a hallmark clue on chest X-ray. In asbestosis itself you’d also see interstitial fibrosis with basilar reticular markings, but the pleural plaques are the most distinctive and characteristic finding on radiographs. Lobar pneumonia would show focal consolidation, cavitation points to necrotizing processes or certain infections/malignancies, and pleural effusion can occur but is not as characteristic of asbestos exposure as plaques with calcification.

Pleural plaques with calcification are the classic radiographic sign of asbestos exposure. These plaques are fibrous thickening of the parietal pleura, often appearing on the diaphragmatic surfaces and lateral chest walls, and calcification can occur as people age. They indicate prior asbestos exposure and are a hallmark clue on chest X-ray. In asbestosis itself you’d also see interstitial fibrosis with basilar reticular markings, but the pleural plaques are the most distinctive and characteristic finding on radiographs. Lobar pneumonia would show focal consolidation, cavitation points to necrotizing processes or certain infections/malignancies, and pleural effusion can occur but is not as characteristic of asbestos exposure as plaques with calcification.