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X-ray Shows Minor Linear Scarring Of Left Lung Base, Pleural Thickening. Previous Pneumonia, Urti. Suggestions?
Recent xray revealed very minor linear scarring/atelectasis of the left lung base and there is minor pleural thickening in the right mid zone. In Nov '11 i had pneumonia, both in March/April 2012 & 2013 URTI, also I believe I may have had an undiagnosed fracture right rib in March '13. I believe pleural thickening may be caused by contact with asbestos, 15 years ago I assisted in renovating our home, which had asbesto materials that I handled without protection. Which is the best way to determine the cause of the pleural thickening?
Wed, 29 May 2013
Hi,
Thanks for your query.
Any manifestation of asbestosis require time at least 10 years. Most common cause of asymptomatic pleural thickening is tuberculosis which might have healed of its own. Even fracture ribs may have lead to small bleeding into the pleural cavity and led to fibrosis.
If you are asymptomatic, don't worry, just do the test to rule out tuberculosis. Go for ultrasonography of chest and if some fluid is detected, go for diagnostic tapping and lab examination of fluid, If there is no fluid you may go for IGRA test and if positive can take isoniazide prophylaxis of tb.
Best wishes
Thanks for your query.
Any manifestation of asbestosis require time at least 10 years. Most common cause of asymptomatic pleural thickening is tuberculosis which might have healed of its own. Even fracture ribs may have lead to small bleeding into the pleural cavity and led to fibrosis.
If you are asymptomatic, don't worry, just do the test to rule out tuberculosis. Go for ultrasonography of chest and if some fluid is detected, go for diagnostic tapping and lab examination of fluid, If there is no fluid you may go for IGRA test and if positive can take isoniazide prophylaxis of tb.
Best wishes
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