Relation between radiological pleuropulmonary changes, clinical history and weight index of construction workers

Photofluorography was performed on 1,542 male construction workers in the Stockholm area. Postero-anterior, lateral and two anterior oblique views were obtained. The pleural and pulmonary changes found were classified into six groups. The results were correlated to the subjects' calculated weight index and to the occupational history of asbestos exposure and previous lung or pleural disease. There was a strong positive association between a high weight index and changes interpreted as increased amount of extrapleural fat. There was also a positive association between irregular thickenings and adhesions located mainly around the base of the lung and a clinical history of pleural or pulmonary disease. The importance of taking other etiological factors than exposure to asbestos dust into consideration is emphasized when pleural changes are detected in apparently healthy people.