The application value of HRCT quantitative analysis in early pneumoconiosis and concomitant diseases

This study aims to investigate the differential capabilities of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and digital radiography (DR) in detecting small opacity characteristics and distribution patterns in pneumoconiosis, while evaluating HRCT's potential for early diagnosis of disease-associated complications. A retrospective evaluation was conducted on the HRCT and DR imaging findings of 206 dust-exposed workers. Quantitative CT assessment was carried out for emphysema and diffuse coniofibrosis. The density of mediastinal lymph nodes and the number of calcified lymph nodes were counted, and pleural plaques were graded. Moreover, the detection rates of small opacities and pneumoconiosis complications were compared between the 2 methods. Results demonstrated HRCT's superior capability to DR in detecting small opacities, characterizing their distribution patterns, and identifying complications. Significant positive correlations emerged between CT-based complication scores and pneumoconiosis staging. The findings indicate that HRCT enhances early detection of small opacities and enables quantitative assessment of comorbid pathologies, providing critical insights for timely clinical intervention and therapeutic management in early-stage pneumoconiosis patients.