Relationship between radiological (X‐ray/HRCT), spirometric and clinical findings in dental technicians' pneumoconiosis

Abstract

We believe that a combined approach including spirometry, CXR and HRCT modalities should be employed in demonstrating respiratory disorders associated with exposure to inorganic dusts in dental technicians.

The relation between the extent of radiological findings and respiratory functions in pneumoconiosis cases of dental technicians who are working in Ankara

“…In the study of Choudat et al no difference was found between dental technicians and control group with regard to respiratory symptoms (2). However, Dogan et al found the rate of dyspnea to be higher in dental technicians with pneumoconiosis (23). In the present study, respiratory complaints were present in 18.4% of dental technicians while in those diagnosed radiologically with DTP, this figure was 40.8%, being 15.6% in cases not so diagnosed.…”

“…In studies by Sherson et al and Froudarakis et al , in subjects with mean duration of work around 19-20 years the prevalence of pneumoconiosis were found to be respectively 12.9% and 9.8% (20,22). In the study of Berk et al with 32 dental technicians, positive correlation was found between age, duration of work, smoking status and profusion scores (23). In the study of Ooi et al on 76 silicosis cases, neither duration of exposure to silica nor smoking was associated with ILO and HRCT scores (24).…”

“…It was also reported that especially additional pathologies such as emphysema contributed significantly to functional impairment and that the disease severity detected with HRCT was closely related to DLCO (7). In another study in which only radiological opacity of 32 dental technicians was evaluated, negative correlation was found between ILO and HRCT scores and spirometry findings, and close correlation between ILO and HRCT scores was demonstrated (23). In a study in which 76 male patients with silicosis were evaluated with lung graphy and HRCT, linear relationship was demonstrated between HRCT and lung functions.…”

“…In another study in which 32 dental technicians were evaluated, rounded opacities were seen in 56% (47% p, 9% q) and linear opacities in 50%. In addition, findings such as pleural abnormalities, bronchiectasia, ground glass opacities, dependent opacities, hilar enlargement and bronchial wall thickening were also reported (23). In the study where the dental technicians were evaluated according to clinical and radiological findings, HRCT scans have been obtained in 58 patients having a suspicious pneumoconiosis radiographically and in 10 patients (%6) pneumoconiosis have been found (13).…”

A Review of Dental Technician's Pneumoconiosis: Three Case Reports

“…Epidemiological studies have revealed exposure to toxic agents for over 20 years results in a technician's pneumoconiosis prevalence of 15% (7). The prevalence of the disease has been reported in variable numbers, possibly due to different study conditions and population characteristics.…”