High-resolution CT in the evaluation of occupational and environmental disease

CT has an increasing role in the radiologic evaluation of occupational/ environmental lung disease. The high-resolution CT (HRCT) findings of silicosis, mixed dust pneumoconiosis, coal worker's pneumoconiosis, graphite pneumoconiosis, asbestosis, talcosis, welder's lung, berylliosis, aluminum lung, and hard metal pneumoconiosis are described. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis and lung damage caused by exposure to toxic fumes also are described. HRCT pathologic correlation with each type of pneumoconiosis is focused on. HRCT is useful in achieving an accurate categorization of the parenchymal changes in each type of pneumoconiosis.