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Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
HRCT/CT and associated spirometric effects of low Libby amphibole asbestos exposure
James E Lockey1, Kari Dunning, Timothy J Hilbert
1From the Department of Environmental Health, Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine (Dr Lockey), Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (Dr Dunning), and Department of Environmental Health (Mr Hilbert, Mr Borton, Drs Levin, Rice, and LeMasters), University of Cincinnati; Occupational Pulmonary Services (Dr McKay) and Department of Radiology (Dr Shipley), University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio; Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (Dr Meyer), Madison; and Department of Radiology, Mercy Health-Anderson Hospital Cincinnati (Dr Perme), Ohio.
Objective:
Evaluate the relationship between cumulative fiber exposure and high-resolution or conventional chest computed tomography (HRCT/CT) changes and spirometry of workers with Libby amphibole asbestos exposure.
Methods:
Of the original 1980 cohort (n = 513), 431 were living and asked to participate. Images were evaluated for localized pleural thickening (LPT), diffuse pleural thickening (DPT), and parenchymal changes.
Results:
A total of 306 participants provided either HRCT/CT scans (n = 191) or chest radiographs (n = 115). Of the 191 with HRCT/CT, 52.9% had pleural changes and 13.1% had parenchymal changes. Those with LPT only, LPT and/or DPT, or DPT and/or parenchymal changes had mean 6.1, 8.0, and 18.0 loss in percent predicted forced vital capacity, respectively.
Conclusions:
Exposure to vermiculite containing amphibole fibers is associated with pleural and parenchymal HRCT/CT changes at low cumulative fiber exposure; these changes are associated with spirometric decrements.
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