Trends in Pleural Radiographic Findings in the Navy Asbestos Medical Surveillance Program (1990–1999)

Abstract

The U.S. Navy Asbestos Medical Surveillance Program is a comprehensive effort to decrease exposure to asbestos, a known health hazard. This study was part of a programmatic review of the Asbestos Medical Surveillance Program database, which included 233,353 radiographic examinations from 1990 to 1999. The initial review focused on incidental findings recorded by B-readers for 23,460 radiographs. Abnormalities reported included bullae (0.68%), cancer (0.56%), cardiac size/ shape abnormalities (1.36%), emphysema (0.74%), subpleural fat (2.62%), fractured ribs (1.24%), hilar adenopathy (0.13%), ill-defined diaphragm (0.46%), ill-defined heart border (0.29%), Kerley lines (0.06%), pleural thickening (2.35%), and tuberculosis (0.27%). The rates by age cohort for pleural abnormalities decreased significantly (30-39 years, chi2 for trend = 23.49, df = 1; 40-49 years, chi2 for trend = 176.21; 50-59 years, chi2 for trend = 401.87), but findings were not significantly different for those > or =60 years of age. This suggests that sequential age cohorts in the program are developing fewer pleural abnormalities; pleural abnormalities have historically been associated with asbestos exposure.

Radiographic features of importance in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-administered Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program: characterising the use of the ‘other symbols’

“…Another study reviewed other symbols indicated during 10 years of the US Navy’s Asbestos Medical Surveillance Program and found pleural thickening (2.35%) and cardiac size or shape (1.36%) to be the most commonly reported radiographic features. 3 In this study, we sought to summarise other symbol data from 48 years of CWHSP participants.…”

Changes in B-Readings Over Time in the United States Navy Asbestos Medical Surveillance Program

“…The database has been previously described and analyzed in part. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Posterior-anterior chest roentgenograms (CXRs) examined for evidence of pneumoconiosis (B-readings) are a component of the AMSP, as are spirometry, a directed history and physical, and counseling about the increased risk of smoking and asbestos exposure. B-reading is done according to a protocol developed by the International Labor Organization (ILO) that includes certified physician (B-reader) comparison of CXRs to a standardized set of films.…”

Pleural abnormalities and exposure to elongate mineral particles in Minnesota iron ore (taconite) workers

“…General population surveys looking for pleural plaques have shown prevalence rates as high as 6.8%. However, most surveys show rates around 2.5% or less and rates have been found as low as 0.21% . Surveys of exposed populations have shown varying rates of pleural plaques, as high as 49% .…”