Abstract
An investigation into the problem of the frequency and hazards of lung biopsy in asbestos workers was performed in two ways. The first study was into the frequency of lung biopsy among 2907 long term asbestos insulation workers in 1981-3 and the second was into the frequency of fatal complications of lung biopsy in 168 deaths from asbestosis among 2271 consecutive deaths of asbestos insulation workers 1967-76. Only 25 (0.9%) of the 2907 asbestos insulation workers reported having had either an open lung biopsy, a needle biopsy, or a transbronchial biopsy. Seven (24%) of these men suffered difficulties as a result of the biopsy. Lung biopsies had been performed on 14 of the 168 workers who died of asbestosis. Three (21%) of these 14 patients had died within 30 days of biopsy as a direct result of the procedure. In most cases there is no need for lung biopsy to establish a diagnosis of asbestosis; generally, it may be defined by history of exposure, clinical and radiological findings, and other well established non-invasive diagnostic procedures. Certainly, legal and compensation recommendation for biopsy should be considered with the possibility of death in mind. If biopsy is performed precautions should be taken, including adequate observation in hospital.
Full text
PDF
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Aaron B. L., Bellinger S. B., Shepard B. M., Doohen D. J. Open lung biopsy; a strong stand. Chest. 1971 Jan;59(1):18–22. doi: 10.1378/chest.59.1.18. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Baker R. R., Lee J. M., Carter D. An evaluation of open lung biopsy. Johns Hopkins Med J. 1973 Feb;132(2):103–116. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Becklake M. R. Asbestos-related diseases of the lung and other organs: their epidemiology and implications for clinical practice. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1976 Jul;114(1):187–227. doi: 10.1164/arrd.1976.114.1.187. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Credle W. F., Jr, Smiddy J. F., Elliott R. C. Complications of fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1974 Jan;109(1):67–72. doi: 10.1164/arrd.1974.109.1.67. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Doll N. J., Stankus R. P., Barkman H. W. Immunopathogenesis of asbestosis, silicosis, and coal workers' pneumoconiosis. Clin Chest Med. 1983 Jan;4(1):3–14. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Khan M. A., Whitcomb M. E. Editorial: Deaths associated with flexible bronchoscopy. Chest. 1976 Aug;70(2):200–201. doi: 10.1378/chest.70.2.200. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Mann B., Sinha C. N. Jack needle lung biopsy in pneumoconiosis. Dis Chest. 1966 Nov;50(5):504–508. doi: 10.1378/chest.50.5.504. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Neff T. A. Editorial: Lung biopsy: how vs whom? Chest. 1976 Aug;70(2):201–202. doi: 10.1378/chest.70.2.201. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Selikoff I. J., Hammond E. C., Seidman H. Latency of asbestos disease among insulation workers in the United States and Canada. Cancer. 1980 Dec 15;46(12):2736–2740. doi: 10.1002/1097-0142(19801215)46:12<2736::aid-cncr2820461233>3.0.co;2-l. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Selikoff I. J., Hammond E. C., Seidman H. Mortality experience of insulation workers in the United States and Canada, 1943--1976. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1979;330:91–116. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1979.tb18711.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Suratt P. M., Smiddy J. F., Gruber B. Deaths and complications associated with fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Chest. 1976 Jun;69(6):747–751. doi: 10.1378/chest.69.6.747. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Walton M., Skeoch T. Diagnosis of asbestosis by needle lung biopsy. Thorax. 1968 Sep;23(5):556–562. doi: 10.1136/thx.23.5.556. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]