Asbestosis

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Asbestosis


  • asbestos fibres 5-100mm x 0.25-0.5mm
  • go deep into alveoli
  • macrophages ingest fibres and die

History

  • dyspnoea
  • dry cough

Examination

  • finger clubbing
  • late inspiratory crackles
  • lower lobes more severely affected

Pathology

  • diffuse pulmonary fibrosis leads to honeycomb lung

Complications

  • adenocarcinoma (about 20 years after exposure)
  • mesothelioma (about 30 years after exposure)
 

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