In June-September 2001, 353 persons took part in an asbestos study that involved computed tomography (CT) of the chest.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) initiated the study in response to the Libby community's interest in the use of CT testing.
CT combines x-ray with state-of-the-art computing technology. The CT scan uses a rotating x-ray beam to create a series of pictures of the body. A computer combines these pictures to produce detailed crosssectional images of parts of your body.
Radiation dose to the patient from a CT scan is far greater than that from a chest x-ray.
To determine if computed tomography is useful as a screening tool for detecting asbestos-related lung abnormalities in persons who had indeterminate chest x-rays in Libby, Montana.
The 353 participants of the 2000 Medical Testing Program were in one or more of the following categories:
In the group studied, participants who were in one or more of the following categories were more likely to have an abnormality detected by CT scan:
The CT scans were performed at the St. John's Lutheran Hospital.
Three nationally recognized physicians who are experts in reading CT scans independently reviewed each CT scan. To assure an objective review, these physicians had no patient's demographic, medical, or exposure information.
CT scans detected pleural abnormalities in 98 persons (28% of all tested) whose chest x-rays had been classified as indeterminate.
Most of these persons - 69 (70%) - were either former vermiculite mine/mill workers or their household contacts.
Low-dose CT scans may be considered for screening certain former vermiculite mine/mill workers and their household contacts who have indeterminate chest x-rays. If there is some suspicious finding on chest xray, particularly in a high-risk individual, a CT scan may be helpful.
Dr. Oleg Muravov, Phone: 1-888-422-8737, or by e-mail Omuravov@cdc.gov. You can also contact ATSDR Regional Representative, Dan Strausbaugh, at 406-457-5007.
This page last updated on October 29, 2008