The Role of High-Resolution Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Pneumoconiosis

Abstract

Inhalation of dust, noxious agents, or fume in certain occupational environments may cause pulmonary damage in exposed workers. Recognition of these pneumoconiosis is important both for treatment and prevention of the disease condition. Although may pneumoconiosis may be detected by chest X-ray, the use of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) combined with exposure history and clinical features allows to reach to a specific diagnosis or at least to narrow the differen- tial diagnosis thanks to its ability to demonstrate lung parenchymal architecture in a superior way. In this article, we review the common HRCT appearances of a spectrum of occupational lung diseases.