Asbestosis

A 60-year-old man with a history of asbestos exposure during his 20-year career as a plumber presents for a routine check-up. He is asymptomatic and has no known respiratory conditions. He has never smoked. On examination, his vital signs are normal, and there are no abnormal findings on chest auscultation.

What is the most appropriate screening test for early detection of asbestos-related lung disease in this patient?

A 68-year-old man with a history of asbestosis presents for a follow-up visit. He reports stable but persistent dyspnoea on exertion and a chronic cough. He worked as a shipyard worker for 30 years with significant asbestos exposure. He is on long-term oxygen therapy at night. His last spirometry showed an FVC of 55% predicted. He has no history of exacerbations in the past year.

What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A 75-year-old man with a history of working in construction presents with worsening shortness of breath and a non-productive cough. Physical examination reveals clubbing and bilateral basal crackles.

Which combination of diagnostic findings is most consistent with asbestosis?

A 65-year-old man with a history of asbestosis presents with increased shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, and hemoptysis. A chest X-ray reveals a mass in the pleural region.

Which of the following is a serious potential complication of asbestosis?

A 70-year-old man presents to the respiratory clinic with a history of progressive dyspnoea over the past year and a persistent dry cough. He worked in construction for 40 years and frequently handled asbestos-containing materials without protective equipment. He has a 10-pack-year smoking history but quit 20 years ago. On examination, his respiratory rate is 20 breaths/min, and there are bibasilar inspiratory crackles. Pulmonary function tests show a restrictive pattern with an FVC of 60% predicted and a DLCO of 50% predicted.

What is the most appropriate investigation to confirm the diagnosis of asbestosis?