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Hall NB, Blackley DJ, Markle T, Crum JB, Halldin CN, Laney AS. Postexposure progression of pneumoconiosis among former Appalachian coal miners. Am J Ind Med 2022; 65:953-958. [PMID: 36161659 PMCID: PMC10428085 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of pneumoconiosis among working United States underground coal miners has been increasing for the past two decades, with the highest rates of disease observed among miners in the central Appalachian states of Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. Surveillance for this disease in the United States focuses on working coal miners, who continue to be occupationally exposed to dust. This study examines the radiographic evidence for postexposure progression of pneumoconiosis in a population of former coal miners no longer occupationally exposed to coal mine dust who were seen at a community radiology clinic in eastern Kentucky. METHODS Data were obtained and analyzed from clinical records of former coal miners who had a clinic encounter during January 1, 2017-August 1, 2019, a recorded final year of employment, and ≥2 postemployment digital chest radiographs. Radiographs were classified according to the International Labour Office guidelines by at least two B Readers. A final summary pneumoconiosis severity score (range, 0-13), accounting for both small and large opacities, was assigned to each chest radiograph. Progression was defined as an increase in severity score between a miner's radiographs over time. RESULTS Data for 130 former coal miners were analyzed. All miners were male and most (n = 114, 88%) had worked primarily in Kentucky. Information on race/ethnicity was not available. The most common job types were roof bolters (n = 51, 39%) and continuous miner operators (n = 46, 35%). Forty-one (31.5%) miners had evidence of radiographic disease progression after leaving the workforce, with a median of 3.6 years between first and latest postretirement radiograph. A total of 80 (62%) miners had evidence of pneumoconiosis on their latest radiograph, and two-thirds (n = 53) of these were classified as progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), the most severe form of the disease. CONCLUSIONS Postexposure progression can occur in former coal miners, emphasizing the potential benefits of continued radiographic follow-up postemployment. In addition to participating in disease screening throughout their careers to detect pneumoconiosis early and facilitate intervention, radiographic follow-up of former coal miners can identify new or progressive radiographic findings even after workplace exposure to respirable coal mine dust ends. Identification of progressive pneumoconiosis in former miners has potential implications for clinical management and eligibility for disability compensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi B. Hall
- Surveillance Branch, Respiratory Health Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - David J. Blackley
- Surveillance Branch, Respiratory Health Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Travis Markle
- Surveillance Branch, Respiratory Health Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | | | - Cara N. Halldin
- Surveillance Branch, Respiratory Health Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - A. Scott Laney
- Surveillance Branch, Respiratory Health Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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Akgün M, Ozmen I, Ozari Yildirim E, Tuzun B, Nur Toreyin Z, Kayinova A, Arbak P, Akkurt I. Pitfalls of using the ILO classification for silicosis compensation claims. Occup Med (Lond) 2022; 72:372-377. [PMID: 35304606 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqac010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The International Labour Organization (ILO) Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses is used as the primary tool to determine compensation for pneumoconiosis in Turkey. AIMS We aimed to evaluate how the ILO classification applied, but obtaining chest radiographs in the workplace for screening until the completion of compensation claim files by the referral centres, based on the ILO reading. METHODS The study included 320 digital chest radiographs previously taken for screening from eight different ceramic factories and having finalised claim files by referral centres. We used an expert reference panel consisting of five ILO readers to re-evaluate all the radiographs independently using ILO standard films and reached a conclusion based on the agreement among at least three readers. The evaluation primarily included technical quality and silicosis diagnosis with an ILO 1/0 or above small profusion. The results were compared with previous findings. RESULTS Sixty-three (20%) chest radiographs were unacceptable for classification purposes according to the ILO technical quality grades. Among the remaining 257 chest radiographs, we diagnosed 103 with silicosis (40%), while the referral centres diagnosed 182 (71%). A discrepancy was found between our results and previous evaluations. We diagnosed silicosis in 50% and 17% of the previous silicosis and normal evaluations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the use of the ILO classification for compensation claims may be problematic due to the way of its implementation in Turkey in addition to its subjectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Metin Akgün
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Ataturk University, School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ipek Ozmen
- Health Science University, Süreyyapasa Chest Diseases, and Chest Surgery Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elif Ozari Yildirim
- Health Science University, Süreyyapasa Chest Diseases, and Chest Surgery Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bahar Tuzun
- Occupational Disease Hospital, Chest Diseases Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zehra Nur Toreyin
- Department of Public Health, Ege University, School of Medicine, Division of Occupational Health and Occupational Diseases, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Atinc Kayinova
- ODAS Mining Company, Occupational Safety and Health Unit, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Peri Arbak
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Düzce University, School of Medicine, Düzce, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Akkurt
- Retired Pulmonary Physician and Occupational Diseases Specialist, Ankara, Turkey
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Hobbs SB, Chung JH, Walker CM, Bang TJ, Carter BW, Christensen JD, Danoff SK, Kandathil A, Madan R, Moore WH, Shah SD, Kanne JP. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Diffuse Lung Disease. J Am Coll Radiol 2021; 18:S320-S329. [PMID: 34794591 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse lung disease, frequently referred to as interstitial lung disease, encompasses numerous disorders affecting the lung parenchyma. The potential etiologies of diffuse lung disease are broad with several hundred established clinical syndromes and pathologies currently identified. Imaging plays a critical role in diagnosis and follow-up of many of these diseases, although multidisciplinary discussion is the current standard for diagnosis of several DLDs. This document aims to establish guidelines for evaluation of diffuse lung diseases for 1) initial imaging of suspected diffuse lung disease, 2) initial imaging of suspected acute exacerbation or acute deterioration in cases of confirmed diffuse lung disease, and 3) clinically indicated routine follow-up of confirmed diffuse lung disease without acute deterioration. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen B Hobbs
- Vice-Chair, Informatics and Integrated Clinical Operations and Division Chief, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Radiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
| | - Jonathan H Chung
- Panel Chair; and Vice-Chair of Quality, and Section Chief, Chest Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Tami J Bang
- Co-Director, Cardiothoracic Imaging Fellowship Committee, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Co-Chair, membership committee, NASCI; and Membership committee, ad-hoc online content committee, STR
| | - Brett W Carter
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jared D Christensen
- Vice-Chair, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina; and Chair, ACR Lungs-RADS
| | - Sonye K Danoff
- Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Board of Directors, American Thoracic Society; Senior Medical Advisor, Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation; and Medical Advisory Board Member, The Myositis Association
| | | | - Rachna Madan
- Associate Fellowship Director, Division of Thoracic Imaging, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - William H Moore
- Associate Chair, Clinical Informatics and Chief, Thoracic Imaging, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Sachin D Shah
- Associate Chief and Medical Information Officer, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; and Primary care physician
| | - Jeffrey P Kanne
- Specialty Chair, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
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Association Between Financial Conflicts of Interest and ILO Classifications for Black Lung Disease. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2021; 18:1634-1641. [PMID: 33780328 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202010-1350oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE The US Department of Labor administers the Federal Black Lung Program (FBLP), an administrative system charged with managing claims by coal miners for workers' compensation for totally disabling coal mine dust lung disease. Specific case reports have raised concern that financial conflicts of interest (COI) may systematically bias physicians when they are classifying chest x-rays (CXRs) for the absence, presence and severity of pneumoconiosis. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the direction and magnitude of association between financial COI of physicians participating in the FBLP and international standards for the classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis. METHODS An epidemiologic assessment of black lung claims filed to the FBLP, 2000-2013, was conducted to determine physician classifications of radiographs. FBLP court decisions for years 2002-2019 (n=7,656) were used to evaluate financial COI of each physician. The main outcome measures used were classifications of radiographs for the absence of pneumoconiosis (small opacity classifications of 0/0 or 0/1), simple pneumoconiosis (small opacity classifications of 1/0 through 3/+) and Progressive Massive Fibrosis (PMF; large opacities with classifications of A, B or C). RESULTS Out of 63,780 radiograph classifications made by 264 physicians, 31.4% were read positive for simple pneumoconiosis and 3.6% were read as having progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). There were 52 physicians who classified CXRs as having no evidence of pneumoconiosis in 99%+ of their readings, and 18 physicians who classified CXRs as positive for simple pneumoconiosis in 99%+ of their readings. The adjusted odds of a negative classification of pneumoconiosis was 1.46 (CI95%: 1.44, 1.47) per 10% increase in the proportion of court records demonstrating that a physician was hired by the employer. Per 10% increase in court records indicating a physician was hired by the miner-claimant, the adjusted odds ratio for classifying simple pneumoconiosis was 1.51 (CI95%: 1.49, 1.52) and for finding PMF was 1.28 (CI95%: 1.26, 1.30). CONCLUSIONS There was a strong association between source of payment and radiograph classification suggesting the importance of eliminating financial COI in what should be an objective determination of eligibility for Black Lung workers' compensation benefits.
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Çankaya BY, Polat G, Tezcan A, Yalçın A, Sade R, Pirimoğlu RB, Karaman A, Kızıloğlu HA, Alper F, Akgün M. Evaluation of lung densitometric and volumetric changes in silicosis patients using three-dimensional software for multidetector CT and the relationship with profusion scores. Clin Radiol 2021; 76:393.e19-393.e24. [PMID: 33509607 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2020.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the density and volume changes in the lungs of silicosis patients and their relationship with the disease severity classification of the International Labor Organization (ILO). MATERIALS AND METHODS The multidetector computed tomography (CT) images of 44 patients diagnosed with silicosis and 32 controls that underwent thoracic CT due to trauma were evaluated. Patients with silicosis were divided into three categories according to the ILO classification. Data related to the total lung volume, total lung mean density, lung opacity score, percentage of lung high opacity, and mean density in the lower and upper lobes were obtained using three-dimensional (3D) software. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the total lung mean densities of the silicosis and control groups (p=0.213); however, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the total lung volume (p<0.0001). According to the ILO classification, there was a significant difference between the disease severity categories in relation to the percentage of lung high opacity (p=0.000005). A strong correlation was detected between disease severity and high opacity percentage (p<0.0001, r=0.804). According to the ILO classification, there was also a significant difference between disease severity categories in terms of the lung opacity score (p=0.000144), as well as a moderate correlation between disease severity and opacity score (p<0.0001, r=0.580). CONCLUSION Total lung volume is a CT finding that shows variation in exposure to crystalline silica. The percentage of high opacity determined using multidetector CT is an effective parameter in evaluating disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Y Çankaya
- Department of Radiology, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey.
| | - G Polat
- Department of Radiology, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - A Tezcan
- Department of Radiology, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - A Yalçın
- Department of Radiology, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - R Sade
- Department of Radiology, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - R B Pirimoğlu
- Department of Radiology, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - A Karaman
- Department of Radiology, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - H A Kızıloğlu
- Ömer Halisdemir Training and Research Hospital, Niğde, Turkey
| | - F Alper
- Department of Radiology, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - M Akgün
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
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Cox CW, Chung JH, Ackman JB, Berry MF, Carter BW, de Groot PM, Hobbs SB, Johnson GB, Maldonado F, McComb BL, Tong BC, Walker CM, Kanne JP. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Occupational Lung Diseases. J Am Coll Radiol 2020; 17:S188-S197. [PMID: 32370962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2020.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ordering the appropriate diagnostic imaging for occupational lung disease requires a firm understanding of the relationship between occupational exposure and expected lower respiratory track manifestation. Where particular inorganic dust exposures typically lead to nodular and interstitial lung disease, other occupational exposures may lead to isolated small airway obstruction. Certain workplace exposures, like asbestos, increase the risk of malignancy, but also produce pulmonary findings that mimic malignancy. This publication aims to delineate the common and special considerations associated with occupational lung disease to assist the ordering physician in selecting the most appropriate imaging study, while still stressing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeanne B Ackman
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark F Berry
- Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California; The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
| | - Brett W Carter
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | | | - Fabien Maldonado
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; American College of Chest Physicians
| | | | - Betty C Tong
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina; The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
| | | | - Jeffrey P Kanne
- Specialty Chair, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
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7
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Halldin CN, Hale JM, Weissman DN, Attfield MD, Parker JE, Petsonk EL, Cohen RA, Markle T, Blackley DJ, Wolfe AL, Tallaksen RJ, Laney AS. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health B Reader Certification Program-An Update Report (1987 to 2018) and Future Directions. J Occup Environ Med 2019; 61:1045-1051. [PMID: 31626070 PMCID: PMC7189962 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) B Reader Program provides the opportunity for physicians to demonstrate proficiency in the International Labour Office (ILO) system for classifying radiographs of pneumoconioses. We summarize trends in participation and examinee attributes and performance during 1987 to 2018. METHODS Since 1987, NIOSH has maintained details of examinees and examinations. Attributes of examinees and their examination performance were summarized. Simple linear regression was used in trend analysis of passing rates over time. RESULTS The mean passing rate for certification and recertification for the study period was 40.4% and 82.6%, respectively. Since the mid-1990s, the number of B Readers has declined and the mean age and years certified have increased. CONCLUSIONS To address the declining B Reader population, NIOSH is currently taking steps to modernize the program and offer more opportunities for training and testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara N Halldin
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Dr Halldin, Ms Hale, Dr Weissman, Dr Attfield, Dr Petsonk, Dr Cohen, Mr Markle, Dr Blackley, Ms Wolfe, Dr Tallaksen, Dr Laney); Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois (Dr Cohen); Departments of Radiology, Medical Education, and Internal Medicine, School of Medicine (Dr Parker, Dr Petsonk, Dr Tallaksen), West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
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8
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Cummings KJ, Johns DO, Mazurek JM, Hearl FJ, Weissman DN. NIOSH's Respiratory Health Division: 50 years of science and service. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2019; 74:15-29. [PMID: 30501580 PMCID: PMC6490691 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2018.1532387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The year 2017 marked the 50th anniversary of NIOSH's Respiratory Health Division (RHD). RHD began in 1967 as the Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Respiratory Diseases (ALFORD), with a focus on coal workers' pneumoconiosis. ALFORD became part of NIOSH in 1971 and added activities to address work-related respiratory disease more generally. Health hazard evaluations played an important role in understanding novel respiratory hazards such as nylon flock, diacetyl, and indium-tin oxide. Epidemiologic and laboratory studies addressed many respiratory hazards, including coal mine dust, silica, asbestos, cotton dust, beryllium, diesel exhaust, and dampness and mold. Surveillance activities tracked the burden of diseases and enhanced the quality of spirometry and chest radiography used to screen workers. RHD's efforts to improve scientific understanding, inform strategies for prevention, and disseminate knowledge remain important now and for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin J. Cummings
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Doug O. Johns
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jacek M. Mazurek
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Frank J. Hearl
- Office of the Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Washington, DC, USA
| | - David N. Weissman
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
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Franzblau A, teWaterNaude J, Sen A, d'Arcy H, Smilg JS, Mashao KS, Meyer CA, Lockey JE, Ehrlich RI. Comparison of digital and film chest radiography for detection and medical surveillance of silicosis in a setting with a high burden of tuberculosis. Am J Ind Med 2018; 61:229-238. [PMID: 29210092 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Continuing use of analog film and digital chest radiography for screening and surveillance for pneumoconiosis and tuberculosis in lower and middle income countries raises questions of equivalence of disease detection. This study compared analog to digital images for intra-rater agreement across formats and prevalence of changes related to silicosis and tuberculosis among South African gold miners using the International Labour Organization classification system. METHODS Miners with diverse radiological presentations of silicosis and tuberculosis were recruited. Digital and film chest images on each subject were classified by four expert readers. RESULTS Readings of film and soft copy digital images showed no significant differences in prevalence of tuberculosis or silicosis, and intra-rater agreement across formats was fair to good. Hard copy images yielded higher prevalences. CONCLUSION Film and digital soft copy images show consistent prevalence of findings, and generally fair to good intra-rater agreement for findings related to silicosis and tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Franzblau
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences; University of Michigan School of Public Health; Ann Arbor Michigan
| | - Jim teWaterNaude
- Diagnostic Medicine, Claremont; Cape Town South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine; University of Cape Town; Cape Town South Africa
| | - Ananda Sen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences; University of Michigan School of Public Health; Ann Arbor Michigan
| | - Hannah d'Arcy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences; University of Michigan School of Public Health; Ann Arbor Michigan
| | - Jacqueline S. Smilg
- Department of Radiology; Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital; Parktown Johannesburg South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences; University of the Witwatersrand; Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Khanyakude S. Mashao
- Medical Bureau of Occupational Diseases; Braamfontein Johannesburg South Africa
- Dr SK Matseke Memorial Private Hospital; Diepkloof Soweto South Africa
| | - Cristopher A. Meyer
- Department of Radiology; University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; Madison Wisconsin
| | - James E. Lockey
- Department of Environmental Health, Pulmonary Medicine; Department of Internal Medicine; University of Cincinnati; Cincinnati Ohio
| | - Rodney I. Ehrlich
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine; University of Cape Town; Cape Town South Africa
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Kawassaki AM, Pereira DAS, Kay FU, Laurindo IMM, Carvalho CRR, Kairalla RA. Pulmonary involvement in rheumatoid arthritis: evaluation by radiography and spirometry. J Bras Pneumol 2015; 41:331-42. [PMID: 26398753 PMCID: PMC4635953 DOI: 10.1590/s1806-37132015000004518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether simple diagnostic methods can yield relevant disease information in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Patients with RA were randomly selected for inclusion in a cross-sectional study involving clinical evaluation of pulmonary function, including pulse oximetry (determination of SpO2, at rest), chest X-ray, and spirometry. RESULTS A total of 246 RA patients underwent complete assessments. Half of the patients in our sample reported a history of smoking. Spirometry was abnormal in 30% of the patients; the chest X-ray was abnormal in 45%; and the SpO2 was abnormal in 13%. Normal chest X-ray, spirometry, and SpO2 were observed simultaneously in only 41% of the RA patients. A history of smoking was associated with abnormal spirometry findings, including evidence of obstructive or restrictive lung disease, and with abnormal chest X-ray findings, as well as with an interstitial pattern on the chest X-ray. Comparing the patients in whom all test results were normal (n = 101) with those in whom abnormal test results were obtained (n = 145), we found a statistically significant difference between the two groups, in terms of age and smoking status. Notably, there were signs of airway disease in nearly half of the patients with minimal or no history of tobacco smoke exposure. CONCLUSIONS Pulmonary involvement in RA can be identified through the use of a combination of diagnostic methods that are simple, safe, and inexpensive. Our results lead us to suggest that RA patients with signs of lung involvement should be screened for lung abnormalities, even if presenting with no respiratory symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fernando Uliana Kay
- Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BR
| | | | | | - Ronaldo Adib Kairalla
- Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BR
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Halldin CN, Petsonk EL, Laney AS. Validation of the international labour office digitized standard images for recognition and classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis. Acad Radiol 2014; 21:305-11. [PMID: 24507420 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2013.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/23/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Chest radiographs are recommended for prevention and detection of pneumoconiosis. In 2011, the International Labour Office (ILO) released a revision of the International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses that included a digitized standard images set. The present study compared results of classifications of digital chest images performed using the new ILO 2011 digitized standard images to classification approaches used in the past. MATERIALS AND METHODS Underground coal miners (N = 172) were examined using both digital and film-screen radiography (FSR) on the same day. Seven National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-certified B Readers independently classified all 172 digital radiographs, once using the ILO 2011 digitized standard images (DRILO2011-D) and once using digitized standard images used in the previous research (DRRES). The same seven B Readers classified all the miners' chest films using the ILO film-based standards. RESULTS Agreement between classifications of FSR and digital radiography was identical, using a standard image set (either DRILO2011-D or DRRES). The overall weighted κ value was 0.58. Some specific differences in the results were seen and noted. However, intrareader variability in this study was similar to the published values and did not appear to be affected by the use of the new ILO 2011 digitized standard images. CONCLUSIONS These findings validate the use of the ILO digitized standard images for classification of small pneumoconiotic opacities. When digital chest radiographs are obtained and displayed appropriately, results of pneumoconiosis classifications using the 2011 ILO digitized standards are comparable to film-based ILO classifications and to classifications using earlier research standards.
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12
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Laney AS, Weissman DN. The classic pneumoconioses: new epidemiological and laboratory observations. Clin Chest Med 2013; 33:745-58. [PMID: 23153613 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2012.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to provide an update on selected issues of current interest and recent developments related to 3 types of inorganic mineral dust exposures causing classic forms of pneumoconiosis: coal mine dust, crystalline silica, and asbestos. Common themes include new imaging modalities, emerging exposures, and evolving appreciation of additional adverse health effects associated with exposure to these inorganic mineral dusts.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Scott Laney
- Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
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Abstract
Silicosis is a fibrotic lung disease caused by inhalation of free crystalline silicon dioxide or silica. Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust particles occurs in many industries. Phagocytosis of crystalline silica in the lung causes lysosomal damage, activating the NALP3 inflammasome and triggering the inflammatory cascade with subsequent fibrosis. Impairment of lung function increases with disease progression, even after the patient is no longer exposed. Diagnosis of silicosis needs carefully documented records of occupational exposure and radiological features, with exclusion of other competing diagnoses. Mycobacterial diseases, airway obstruction, and lung cancer are associated with silica dust exposure. As yet, no curative treatment exists, but comprehensive management strategies help to improve quality of life and slow deterioration. Further efforts are needed for recognition and control of silica hazards, especially in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Chiu Leung
- Tuberculosis and Chest Service, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong, China.
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