Radiologic Diagnosis of Asbestosis in Korea

• Published in: Korean journal of radiology Vol. 17; no. 5; pp. 674 - 683
• Main Authors: Cha, Yoon Ki, Kim, Jeung Sook, Kim, Yookyung, Kim, Yoon Kyung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) The Korean Society of Radiology 01-09-2016; 대한영상의학회
• Subjects: Asbestos; Asbestos - adverse effects; Asbestosis - diagnostic imaging; Asbestosis - etiology; Cysts; Diagnosis, Differential; Disease; Humans; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis - diagnosis; Lung - diagnostic imaging; Lung cancer; Lung Neoplasms - etiology; Mesothelioma; Mesothelioma - etiology; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Pathology; Radiography; Thoracic Imaging; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; 방사선과학; Radiography; Asbestos; Asbestosis; Computed tomography; Occupational disease; Radiology; Pulmonary
• ISSN: 1229-6929; 2005-8330
• DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2016.17.5.674

Asbestosis is the most important change noted in the lung parenchyma after environmental and occupational exposure to asbestos fibers. It is characterized by diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. In Korea, the incidence of asbestosis will continue to increase for many years to come and the government enacted the Asbestos Damage Relief Law in 2011 to provide compensation to those suffering from asbestos-related diseases. Radiologic evaluation is necessary for diagnosis of asbestosis, and radiologists play a key role in this process. Therefore, it is important for radiologists to be aware of the various imaging features of asbestosis.