RADIOLOGICAL EVALUATION IN SILICOSIS PATIENTS BY CHEST RADIOGRAPH, HRCT/CECT CHEST AND CORRELATION WITH PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST

Dr. Jitendra Jalutharia; Dr. Ramakant Dixit; Dr. Reena Mathure; Dr. Avinash Gupa; Dr. Subhash Saini

Volume : IX, Issue : VI, June - 2020

RADIOLOGICAL EVALUATION IN SILICOSIS PATIENTS BY CHEST RADIOGRAPH, HRCT/CECT CHEST AND CORRELATION WITH PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST

Dr. Jitendra Jalutharia, Dr. Ramakant Dixit, Dr. Reena Mathure, Dr. Avinash Gupa, Dr. Subhash Saini

Abstract :

Objectives– To assess pattern and extent of various radiological lesions detected on chest radiography and HRCT chest and its correlation with pulmonary function tests. Methods – 59 workers exposed to silica underwent CR, HRCT, and pulmonary function tests. HRCT grading system described by presence, size and distribution of nodules and relative parenchyma & vascular markings in 59 subjects. Results –Concordance between readers was higher for HRCT than for CR in the early stages of silicosis. No significant difference in pulmonary function tests was found among different CR categories, but forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, FVC and diffusion capacity significantly decreased with increasing HRCT categories and large opacities than with that of small opacities on chest radiography. Subjects with conglomerated silicosis showed higher residual volume and functional residual capacity than subjects with simple silicosis. Conclusion–HRCT is more reproducible and accurate than CR, as suggested by the higher agreement between readers and the better correlation with pulmonary function tests. However, these data do not support the hypothesis that HRCT is more sensitive than CR in the early detection of silicosis.