CXR Case 128
An 81 year old man presents with chest pain.
Describe and interpret this CXR
CHEST X-RAY INTERPRETATION
There are widespread, bilateral calcified asbestos-related pleural plaques.
These are affecting the diaphragm and mediastinal pleura as well as (more commonly) the lateral parietal pleura.
Lung parenchyma is normal.
CLINICAL CORRELATION
Asbestos-related pleural plaques are the most common form of asbestos related lung disease.
Despite their characteristic appearance they do not need specific follow up – they are a sign of asbestos exposure but do not contribute to breathlessness or any increased risk of mesothelioma or lung cancer.
CLINICAL PEARLS
Rarely pleural plaques are associated with an angina-like chest pain.
…this is, however, a diagnosis of exclusion!
TOP 150 CXR SERIES
Prof Fraser Brims Curtin Medical School, acute and respiratory medicine specialist, immediate care in sport doc, ex-Royal Navy, academic| Top 100 CXR | Google Scholar | ICIS Course ANZ