Study Syllabus for Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses

Radiograph Classification

Subset 4 – Small and Large Opacities

Radiograph #43 – Type t

Answer Key #43A
Answer Key #43B
Answer Key #43C
Answer Key #43D (Updated 9/28/2023)

Small irregular opacities type, t

Radiograph #43A presents no small parenchymal opacities, profusion 0/0.

Radiograph #43B. Type t opacities are defined as irregular opacities that are 1.5 to 3 mm wide. There are a few t opacities present in both lower zones; however, the right lower zone also presents atelectasis. The vascular pattern is intact in the left lower zone. The image presents a profusion of 0/1.

Radiograph #43C presents a greater concentration of t irregular opacities than does image #41B. Both middle and lower lung zones are involved. This image represents a profusion of 1/0. The vascular pattern is less distinct. Some readers suggested that there is a calcified right diaphragmatic plaque present. However, most readers judge it not to be present, therefore the classification sheet reflects that of a majority of the readers.

Soft tissue line on the right was not interpreted as pleural plaque. Some readers suggested possible right diaphragmatic calcification.

Radiograph #43D. This image presents t/q opacities at a profusion of 1/1 involving all lung zones bilaterally. The vascular pattern is mildly indistinct. There is bilateral pleural involvement with calcification noted. There is face on plaque, diaphragmatic plaque, and other sites on the right and left. There is only in profile plaque on the left. The symbol aa for calcifications in the aortic arch is noted. The symbol fr for rib fractures is also checked.

Radiograph #44 – Type u

Answer Key #44A
Answer Key #44D (Updated 9/28/2023)

Small irregular opacities, type u

U opacities are quite rare. Digital images of low profusion u opacities were not obtained. Please refer to the quadrant images from the 2011D standards for examples.

Radiograph #44A. This image presents no small parenchymal opacities, profusion 0/0. (Note images #44B and #44C were removed).

Radiograph #44D is of quality 2 because of scapular overlap. Small parenchymal opacities are present in both upper and middle zones as well. They are characterized as shape and size u/r, indicating a mixture of irregular and rounded opacities, with a profusion of 1/1. There are no large opacities or pleural findings. The right hilum is large and both hila are slightly elevated, so di and hi are checked in addition to cg, aa, and perhaps pb, suggested by a peripheral linear density in the left upper zone. The rounded opacities in the right perihilar area and at the right base were attributed to cg. Nipple markers and prosthetic humeral heads were noted.

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