Imaging of Occupational Lung Disease

Targeted CE per ARRT’s Discipline, Category, and Subcategory classification for enrollments starting after May 25, 2023:
[Note: Discipline-specific Targeted CE credits may be less than the total Category A credits approved for this course.]

Computed Tomography: 3.00
Patient Care: 1.00
Patient Interactions and Management: 1.00
Procedures: 2.00
Neck and Chest: 2.00

Radiography: 3.75
Patient Care: 1.75
Patient Interactions and Management: 1.75
Procedures: 2.00
Thorax and Abdomen Procedures: 2.00

Registered Radiologist Assistant: 3.75
Patient Care: 1.00
Patient Management: 1.00
Safety: 0.75
Patient Safety, Radiation Protection, and Equipment Operation: 0.75
Procedures: 2.00
Thoracic Section: 2.00

Outline

1. Introduction
2. Clinical Evaluation
   1. The Occupational and Environmental Exposure History
   2. Physical Examination
   3. Laboratory Testing
   4. Pulmonary Function Testing
   5. Bronchoscopy and Surgical Lung Biopsy
3. Imaging Technology
4. The Radiologistís Role
   1. Diffuse Pulmonary Opacities
   2. Nodular Patterns
   3. Reticular Patterns
   4. Emphysema and Cysts
   5. Airway Patterns
   6. Pleural Patterns
5. Major Contemporary Occupational Lung Diseases
   1. Silicosis
   2. Coal Workerís Pneumoconiosis
   3. Asbestos-related Lung and Pleural Disease
   4. Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
   5. Chronic Beryllium Disease
6. Emergence of New Occupational Lung Diseases
7. Conclusion

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will:

1. understand the role CT plays in occupational lung disease
2. know what an occupational lung disease is
3. understand the role chest radiography plays in occupational lung disease
4. know why it’s important to relay clinical history and toxin exposure important to the radiologist
5. be familiar with the latency periods of various occupational lung disorders
6. name the three essential components of an occupational history
7. understand how non-occupational lung disorders occur and what toxins are involved
8. know what clinical findings at physical exam may be indicative of occupational lung disease
9. understand the laboratory tests used to assist in the diagnosis of occupational lung disease
10. know how occupational lung diseases may increase a patient’s risk for tuberculosis
11. describe the lab tests that can differentiate one occupational lung disorder from another
12. understand what type of clinical information a pulmonary function test may provide
13. know what type of pulmonary function testing is typically offered in a private practice setting
14. describe how occupational lung disease is classified
15. be familiar with the results from pulmonary function testing for common occupational lung disorders
16. describe the fiberoptic bronchoscopy procedure
17. know what occupational lung disorders develop from exposure to asbestos, silica, hard metals, coal dust, and beryllium
18. know the characteristics of the lesser known occupational lung disorders, such as berylliosis, talcosis, and calcicosis
19. know the standard projections and views recommended by the ACR for chest radiography of common lung disorders
20. understand the evaluation criteria and parameters for producing quality chest radiographs
21. know what the recommended exposure techniques are for various lung pathologies
22. describe the radiographic views and projections that are used in chest radiography, including decubitus, oblique, and apical lordotic views
23. know the technical parameters, positions, and dose of a high-resolution CT exam of the lungs
24. describe the radiographic appearance of some of the more common occupational lung disorders
25. describe how occupational lung injury is categorized
26. be familiar with the benefits and limitations of conventional chest radiography in diagnosing occupational lung disease
27. know the general patterns of abnormalities seen on CT
28. know what medical imaging protocols and exams are beneficial in evaluating post-operative complications
29. be familiar with the appearance of common occupational lung disorders on CT
30. know what lung diseased were seen in soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan
31. know the limitations of conventional chest radiography in imaging occupational lung disease
32. know the radiographic criteria for producing a high quality radiograph for pneumoconiosis
33. know what the proposed International Classification of HRCT for Occupational and Environmental Respiratory Diseases is
34. know what the average radiation dose is for reduced dose CT
35. be familiar with the radiographic patterns associated with diffuse pulmonary opacities, reticular, nodular, airway and pleural patterns, emphysema and cysts