Radiology Quiz
BMJ 2001; 323 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.0110366 (Published 01 October 2001) Cite this as: BMJ 2001;323:0110366
- Brian Kelly, consultant radiologist1,
- Ian C Bickle, fourth year medical student2
- 1Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast
- 2Queen's University, Belfast
Case history
A 66 year old former shipyard worker presented to a medical admission department with increasing shortness of breath on exertion and worsening right sided chest pain over the previous month.
On questioning he admitted losing more than 7 kg in weight over the past two months. On examination, tar stained fingers and grade 3 finger clubbing are noted. Auscultation and percussion of the chest are suggestive of right sided pleural effusion.
Questions
In view of his previous occupation what further questions would you wish to ask this man?
You proceed to a chest radiograph. While awaiting his chest radiograph, you review his past medical notes. You notice reference to “evidence of calcified pleural plaques” on a previous chest radiograph from 10 years earlier.
What causes pleural plaques and what other conditions are associated with exposure to this material?
What abnormalities are evidenced on this chest radiograph?
Why has this condition occurred now?
What special advice …
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