[Autopsy findings and pleural plaques in the Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) Regional Register of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia].

Aims: To describe the cases of MM that occurred in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region in the period 1995-2009 and evaluate the diagnostic contribution of autopsy findings.

Methods: Via the Regional Register a search for MM cases was made following standardized criteria for diagnosis and past asbestos exposure assessment. Pleural plaques were identified by autopsy findings; the relationship between presence of pleural plaques and assessment of past asbestos exposure was analyzed.

[Malignant mesothelioma (MM) in women: findings of the Mesothelioma Register of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region].

During the period 2000-2003, the Mesothelioma Register of the Friuli Venezia Giulia identified 248 cases of MM, 44 of which (18%) were female. In 36 cases the diagnosis was "certain" and in 8 "probable" or "possible". Mean age at diagnosis was 72.

[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and occupational exposure to mineral dust].

The relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and occupational exposure to mineral dust is still conflicting because COPD is multifactorial disease, relatively common in the general population. A number of studies have shown that in population exposed to mineral dust there is a greater prevalence of chronic bronchitis, even in the absence of radiographic evidence of pneumoconiosis. There is no agreement, however, that dust alone will induce significant chronic airflow limitation and increase in mortality.