ACR Appropriateness Criteria Review ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Occupational Lung Diseases

J Thorac Imaging. 2016 Jan;31(1):W1-3. doi: 10.1097/RTI.0000000000000194.

Abstract

Occupational lung disease is a category of disease entities characterized by a reaction of the lung parenchyma to inhaled aerosolized particles found in the environment. This document summarizes the imaging appropriateness data for silicosis, coal worker pneumoconiosis, and asbestosis. The main points of the document are that computed tomography is more sensitive than radiography, computed tomography without contrast generally suffices for evaluation, and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography may have utility in patients with mesothelioma. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every 3 years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review includes an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances in which evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anthracosis / diagnosis
  • Asbestosis / diagnosis
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / standards
  • Radiology / standards*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Silicosis / diagnosis
  • Societies, Medical
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / standards
  • United States

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18