These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: Libby Amphibole Disease: Pulmonary Function and CT Abnormalities in Vermiculite Miners.
    Author: Miller A, Szeinuk J, Noonan CW, Henschke CI, Pfau J, Black B, Yankelevitz DF, Liang M, Liu Y, Yip R, McNew T, Linker L, Flores R.
    Journal: J Occup Environ Med; 2018 Feb; 60(2):167-173. PubMed ID: 29200190.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: This article describes radiologic and pulmonary function findings among miners exposed to Libby amphibole. Computed tomography (CT) permits the detection of the characteristic thin, lamellar pleural thickening (LPT). METHODS: Individuals who worked at the mine for a minimum of 6 months had chest CT and pulmonary function tests. RESULTS: Pleural thickening was noted in 223 (87%) of the 256 miners, parenchymal abnormalities in 49 (19%). LPT, found in 151 (68%), was associated with low values of forced vital capacity and diffusion capacity and significantly lower values in all pulmonary function tests when associated with parenchymal abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Eighty-seven percent of miners exposed to Libby Amphibole had pleural abnormalities on CT. LPT alone, and more so with parenchymal abnormalities, resulted in decreased pulmonary function. The importance of this easily missed LPT is demonstrated by its high frequency and significant functional effects.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]