Imaging in Occupational and Environmental Lung Disease

This review article aims to highlight the common and uncommon imaging features of work-related and environmental lung disease to help the clinicians suspect diagnosis in patients with occult or known exposures to inhalational potent substances. Occupational and environmental lung disease are the most frequent work-related illness in the USA with a recent resurgence mainly due to inadequate exposure control, prolonged working hours, developing industries, and new antigens. Failure to accurately diagnose and promptly manage these lung disorders can lead to long-term and irreversible health conditions. Several case reports have documented misdiagnosis of these lung disorders which could be due to underestimation of their prevalence. It is critical for radiologist and clinicians to recognize the classic and uncommon imaging features of occupational and environmental lung diseases. Accurate elicitation of occupational history is a key point for differentiation in this patient population.