Role of High-Resolution Computed Tomography Thorax in Evaluation of Spectrum of Lung Changes in Population Susceptible to Occupational Lung Disorders

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational lung diseases are an important group of preventable respiratory disorders caused by prolonged exposure to dust, fumes, and other occupational hazards. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) provides superior characterization of pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities compared with conventional chest radiography.

Aim & Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the spectrum of HRCT findings in patients with respiratory symptoms and significant occupational exposure and to assess the relationship between occupational exposure and radiological abnormalities.

Material & Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior, from April 2023 to March 2025. Seventy-two patients with respiratory complaints and occupational exposure of at least 5 years were evaluated using clinical history, chest radiography, and HRCT thorax. Patients with non-occupational causes of pulmonary disease and those not providing consent were excluded. The HRCT findings were analyzed and correlated with occupational exposure and clinico-radiological diagnosis.

Results: The mean age of participants was 44.54 ± 8.50 years, with a mean occupational exposure of 17.44 ± 7.74 years. Cough was the commonest symptom (51.39%). On chest radiography, diffuse upper-zone nodular opacities were most frequent (25%). HRCT demonstrated progressive fibrosis in 47.23%, traction bronchiectasis in 34.73%, centrilobular nodules in 25%, consolidation in 19.45%, and ground-glass opacities in 16.67%. Silicosis was the most common clinic-radiological diagnosis (34.72%), followed by progressive massive fibrosis (19.4%) and UIP (15.3%).

Conclusion: HRCT effectively demonstrates the diverse spectrum of occupational lung abnormalities and provides greater characterization of parenchymal disease than chest radiography. Early recognition of characteristic HRCT patterns, combined with occupational history, can facilitate timely diagnosis, exposure reduction, and prevention of progressive pulmonary fibrosis.

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