Comparative evaluation of X-ray contrast myography and ultrasound study in diagnosis of occupational myofibrosis].

The article presents results proving significant advantage of ultrasound examination vs. X-ray contrast myography in diagnosis of occupational myofibrosis early stages. The authors recommend implementation of thi s method into medical examination practice for better diagnosis of occuptional myofibrosis to objectify decision on linking the disease with occupation.

[Ultrasound examination in diagnosis and classification of occupational myofibrosis (lecture)].

Based on comparative analysis of contemporary clinical and instrumental investigations, the authors justify advantage of ultrasound examination in diagnosis of occupational myofibrosis. Results of ultrasound application helped to specify a classification of occupational myofibrosis according to the disease severity, that considerably increases efficiency of examining connection between the disease and occupation.

[On results of operative conference of pulmonologists and occupational therapists in St. Petersburg and Leningrad region, concerning the topic "Justifying changes in "Occupational Diseases list" according to respiratory disease classification and global strategies of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COLD) and bronchial asthma (GINA)"].

Results of operative conference of North-West Russia pulmonologists and occupational therapists were summarized and covered improvement of current list of occupational diseases. Resolution of the operative conference on the problem is presented.

[Results of X-ray follow-up in late silicosis].

The authors present clinical and X-ray data of 30 patients with "late silicosis" that occurred in 5-20 years after they had retired from dust-related occupation. Follow-up over 4-25 years demonstrated progression of nodular pneumosclerosis up to macronodular forms or silicotuberculoma formation. The diseases mostly developed gradually, usually was diagnosed by casual X-ray examination and was long considered as tuberculosis, sarcoidosis or other disseminated lesion.

[Features of occupational fluorosis course].

Analysis of X-ray signs in 397 patients suffering from fluorosis revealed degenerative and dystrophic lumbar disorders in 94%, calcified anterior longitudinal ligament in 65%, various changes (epicondylosis, periarthrosis and arthrosis deformans) in 91%. Locomotory disorders appeared systemic, multiple and symmetrical.