American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is a common finding on imaging for patients with pneumoconiosis due to asbestos exposure?

1. Ground-glass opacity

2. Interstitial fibrosis

3. pleural plaques

4. Bronchial dilation

The correct answer is: pleural plaques

In patients with pneumoconiosis resulting from asbestos exposure, a common imaging finding is the presence of pleural plaques. These pleural plaques, which are areas of fibrosis, are specifically associated with asbestos exposure and often appear as well-defined, calcified areas on chest radiographs. They typically manifest along the diaphragm and the lateral chest wall and are significant as they indicate chronic exposure to asbestos, though they may not necessarily correlate with pulmonary function impairment. The identification of pleural plaques on imaging is particularly important because they can serve as a marker for asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma, even in the absence of substantial interstitial lung disease. This feature plays a crucial role in both the diagnosis and management of patients exposed to asbestos. Other options might present findings that are not typical for asbestos-related lung conditions. For instance, interstitial fibrosis can occur in various types of pneumoconiosis, but it is a more generalized finding and not as specific as pleural plaques for those exposed to asbestos. Additionally, ground-glass opacities and bronchial dilation are not characteristic findings associated with asbestos exposure. Ground-glass opacities are usually seen in different forms of lung pathology, such as inflammation or early neoplasia, while bronchial