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(Reference retrieved automatically from SciELO through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Identification of rounded atelectasis in workers exposed to asbestos by contrast helical computed tomography

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Author(s):
M. Terra-Filho ; J. Kavakama ; E. Bagatin ; V.L. Capelozzi ; L.E. Nery ; R. Tavares
Total Authors: 6
Document type: Journal article
Source: Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research; v. 36, n. 10, p. 1341-1347, 2003-10-00.
Abstract

Rounded atelectasis (RA) is a benign and unusual form of subpleural lung collapse that has been described mostly in asbestos-exposed workers. This form of atelectasis manifests as a lung nodule and can be confused with bronchogenic carcinoma upon conventional radiologic examination. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the variation in contrast uptake in computed tomography for the identification of asbestos-related RA in Brazil. Between January 1998 and December 2000, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was performed in 1658 asbestos-exposed workers. The diagnosis was made in nine patients based on a history of prior asbestos exposure, the presence of characteristic (HRCT) findings and lesions unchanged in size over 2 years or more. In three of them the diagnosis was confirmed during surgery. The dynamic contrast enhancement study was modified to evaluate nodules and pulmonary masses. All nine patients with RA received iodide contrast according to weight. The average enhancement after iodide contrast was infused, reported as Hounsfield units (HU), increased from 62.5 ± 9.7 to 125.4 ± 20.7 (P < 0.05), with a mean enhancement of 62.5 ± 19.7 (range 40 to 89) and with a uniform dense opacification. In conclusion, in this study all patients with RA showed contrast enhancement with uniform dense opacification. The main clinical implication of this finding is that this procedure does not permit differentiation between RA and malignant pulmonary neoplasm. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 96/10415-6 - Morbidity and mortality among workers exposed to asbestos in the mining activity: 1940-1966
Grantee:Ericson Bagatim
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants