[Computerized tomography of pleuropulmonary pathology due to asbestos].

28 patients presenting with proven pleuro-pulmonary pathology due to asbestos underwent conventional radiography and also computed tomography (TDM). It is evident that TDM was more sensitive in detecting the presence of pleural plaques which were either hidden or invisible on standard radiographs. False parietal images were often eliminated.

[X-ray computed tomography in pleuropulmonary asbestos pathology].

Results of computed tomography and conventional radiology were compared during investigation of 17 patients with pleuropulmonary lesions from confirmed asbestosis. Computed tomography images appeared to provide improved data for detection and analysis of pleural plaques, particularly in the costovertebral grooves; false pleural images (associated shadows, fatty tissue) can be eliminated. The CT scan should occupy a place of choice for surveillance of subjects in contact with asbestos and presenting pleural anomalies.

[Industrial factors in the etiology of obstructive respiratory diseases. Implications for prevention].

The statistics of occupational diseases in industrial medicine, as well as the markedly elevated incidence of chronic bronchitis amongst workers, show that there is an additional respiratory risk linked to industrial environment and the conditions of work. Epidemiological studies in industry and in particular certain occupations, such as mining and the construction industry have led to a better understanding of this industrial risk as a generator of the additional obstructive respiratory disease occurring in exposed workers. Among the unrecognised risks is the prolonged exposure to the oxides of nitrogen which are capable of affecting gas exchange, as has been shown in one of our investigations in the production of nitrogenous fertilizers, which explains the mechanism.