Detecting Asbestos Plaques using Radiology to Make Diagnoses

Pleural plaques resulting from exposure to asbestos are best seen in the flanks of the lungs in a frontal view. This is because they are most evident when the radiology tests such as x-rays hit them tangentially. If they are thick enough, they can be visible even if not viewed tangentially.

When they are calcified, they are much easier to recognize. Diaphragmal plaques can be visible as button-like elevations. The costovertebral sinuses are unaffected. A slow progression over the years is a very typical characteristic. Plaques are always more widespread and numerous at autopsy than at the chest roentgenogram.

Only 10 to 15 percent are seen with conventional radiography. If less strict criteria are used at radiology, a few more true plaques will be diagnosed - but the main problem is an overdiagnosis, and in fact half or more of all the diagnosed plaques do not exist in reality.

The ILO system is not useful here: the smallest "plaques" diagnosed there (less than 5 mm thick) is very unspecific. Computed tomography will demonstrate more plaques but is not suitable for studies on large population groups. In fact, the number of more plaques seen are limited, and plaques on the diaphragm are often missed.

Weitz & Luxenberg is a leading plaintiffs' law firm that has represented people affected by mesothelioma for over 20 years. Men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure may be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible for their disease.

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