Small Airway Wall Thickening Assessed by Computerized Tomography Is Associated With Low Lung Function in Chinese Carbon Black Packers.

ABSTRACT: Nanoscale carbon black as virtually pure elemental carbon can deposit deep in the lungs and cause pulmonary injury. Airway remodeling assessed using computed tomography (CT) correlates well with spirometry in patients with obstructive lung diseases. Structural airway changes caused by carbon black exposure remain unknown. Wall and lumen areas of sixth and ninth generations of airways in 4 lobes were quantified using end-inhalation CT scans in 58 current carbon black packers (CBPs) and 95 non-CBPs. Carbon content in airway macrophage (CCAM) in sputum was quantified to assess the dose-response. Environmental monitoring and CCAM showed a much higher level of elemental carbon exposure in CBPs, which was associated with higher wall area and lower lumen area with no change in total airway area f

SUBMITTER: Cao X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7825005 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature