US EPA

3100140 

Journal Article 

Abstract 

Lung en cuirasse: Histopathology of restrictive pleurisy with asbestos exposure 

Herbert, A; Sterling, GM 

1980 

1 

Thorax
ISSN: 0040-6376
EISSN: 1468-3296 

35 

9 

715 

English 

WOS:A1980KL18700037 

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/thx.35.9.708
Exit
 

The histopathology of the cases of restrictive pleurisy discussed in the preceding paper are described. Pleural biopsies taken at thoracotomy demonstrate dense fibrosis of parietal and visceral pleura which can extend to involve cortical interlobular septa and perivascular connective tissue. The superficial layers of parietal and visceral pleura show active granulation tissue organising haemorrhagic exudate in the pleural space. The clinical impression that the lungs themselves are normal is born out by normal lung parenchyma in the biopsies: however asbestos bodies are present in sections of these otherwise normal lungs. The necropsy findings in one case demonstrate restrictive pleural fibrosis dominating the pathological picture in a man who unlike the other patients in the group, was exposed t~ an exceptionally large amount of asbestos dust. Although fibrous pleurisy, particularly with recurrent effusion, is now accepted as a manifestation of asbestos exposure its association with a restrictive lung abnormality is not well recognised. The relationship between chronic fibrous pleurisy and mesothelioma is also discussed. The conditions may coexist and benign fibrous pleurisy can precede mesothelioma. Both conditions can occur in people who have been exposed to small amounts of asbestos insufficient to cause pulmonary fibrosis. The essentially benign nature of the pleurisy does not preclude the subsequent development of mesothelioma. 

Summer Meeting of the Thoracic Society 

Durham, England 

July 3-4, 1980