Chest CT imaging features of occupational pneumoconiosis induced by dust of iron and iron compounds
10.20001/j.issn.2095-2619.20260216
- VernacularTitle:职业性铁及其化合物粉尘肺沉着病患者胸部CT影像学分析
- Author:
Yan REN
1
;
Rongrong LIU
;
Wenyen YAO
;
Wenbo DING
;
Min LI
Author Information
1. Department of Radiology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Suzhou/The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Iron;
Dust;
Pneumoconiosis;
Computed tomography;
Diagnosis;
Imaging
- From:
China Occupational Medicine
2026;53(1):99-102
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To analyze the chest computed tomography (CT) imaging features of occupational pneumoconiosis induced by dust of iron and iron compounds (OPTIDIC), and to explore imaging evidence for its diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Methods Abnormal coronal multiplanar reconstruction CT images of 19 patients with OPTIDIC were analyzed retrospectively, and imaging findings were compared with those from chest digital radiography (DR). Results Chest CT imaging of 19 patients with OPTIDIC showed multiple small, round opacities in both lungs, with predominantly low-density nodules in 14 cases, and high-density nodules in five cases. Nodules were mainly distributed in the upper and middle lung zones in 15 cases and diffusely distributed in four cases. Hilar/mediastinal lymphadenopathy and lymph node calcification were observed in 11 and 6 cases, respectively. Interlobular septal thickening was observed in six cases, while reticular opacities, increased lung markings, patchy ground-glass opacities, pleural thickening, and emphysema were observed in 6, 4, 7, 5, and 4 cases, respectively. On chest DR, small opacities were classified as p/s and p/t types in 16 and 3 cases, respectively. No large opacities or honeycombing were observed on either coronal chest CT or chest DR among 19 patients with OPTIDIC. Conclusion Chest CT findings of OPTIDIC patients are characterized by small, low-density round opacities, with a predominance in the upper and middle lung zones and frequent hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. CT provides valuable evidence for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of OPTIDIC.
