Atherosclerotic and pleural calcifications are related among as bestos-exposed workers

Methods We studied the relationship between calcified chest atherosclerosis and pleural plaques among 505 construction workers with computed tomography. The extent and thickness of pleural plaques and the score of visceral pleural thickening were estimated, as was calcification of both pleural disease and chest atherosclerosis. Results Adjusted for age, BMI, smoking, and asbestos exposure, pleural calcification was associated with calcification in coronary arteries (P<0.001) and in the aorta (P<0.001). Conclusion These associations may be due to susceptibility factors common to both conditions. Calcification in pleural plaques may be a hint of atherosclerosis at least among as bestos-exposed people. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 15:599-601 (C) 2008 The European Society of Cardiology