Computed tomography examination of the chest of a 70-year-old male industrial pipe insulator reveals curvilinear calcific density paralleling the inner margins of the right posterior ribs. These findings are consistent with __________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Curvilinear calcific density paralleling the inner margins of the ribs is a classic radiologic finding of calcified pleural plaques, which are associated with asbestos exposure. As an industrial pipe insulator, the patient likely had exposure to asbestos, as it was commonly used in insulation materials until the 1970s. Mesothelioma and silicosis can also be associated with asbestos exposure but have different radiographic findings. Benign pneumoconiosis is caused by inhalation of other dusts and would not be associated with this patient's occupational history.

Computed Tomography Examination of the Chest of a 70-Year-Old Male