New perspective in the imaging of pneumoconioses.

The plain, posteroanterior chest radiograph using the International Labour Office classification has been a critical element in the radiologic diagnosis of pneumoconioses. But advances in imaging technology, including high-resolution computed tomography, assure more objective diagnostic information. High-resolution computed tomography can separate nonpleural structures and abnormalities from true pleural disease; it also leaves little room for false interpretation of suspected parenchymal disease because it permits cross-sectional imaging of the lung parenchyma to the submillimeter level without overlap of the surrounding structures. The value of high-resolution computed tomography is already recognized by some courts involved in litigation over asbestos-related disease.