Use of chest radiographs in epidemiological investigations of pneumoconioses

• Published in: British Journal of Industrial Medicine Vol. 50; no. 3; pp. 273 - 275
• Main Authors: Mulloy, K B, Coultas, D B, Samet, J M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01.03.1993; BMJ Publishing Group; BMJ; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Chemical and industrial products toxicology. Toxic occupational diseases; Chest; Decision Making; Humans; Inorganic dusts (pneumoconiosises) and organic dusts (byssinosis etc.); Investigational drugs; Investigative reporting; Job training; Lung - diagnostic imaging; Medical sciences; Observer Variation; Occupational medicine; Pneumoconiosis; Pneumoconiosis - diagnostic imaging; Pneumoconiosis - epidemiology; Radiography; Radiology - education; Recommendations; Reconciliation; Standardization; Toxicology; Human; Occupational disease; Pneumoconiosis; Radiodiagnosis; Respiratory disease; Lung; Radiologic investigation; Epidemiology; Radiography; Interrater agreement; Classification; Diagnosis; Public health
• ISSN: 0007-1072; 1351-0711; 1470-7926
• DOI: 10.1136/oem.50.3.273

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) classification of radiographs of pneumoconioses was developed to limit variation in classification of parenchymal abnormalities. In this study the manner in which chest radiographs were interpreted in 134 investigations reported in four peer reviewed journals during the five year period 1985-90 was examined. The approach for applying the ILO system was poorly described in most studies. For example, of 86 investigations using more than one reader, 66.3% described the method of reconciliation, but methods were not consistent among investigations. Our results indicate a number of potential problems in application of the ILO system, and gaps in existing recommendations that should be considered.