Bilateral pleural thickening: a manifestation of asbestos dust exposure

Bilateral pleural thickening in a relatively asymptomatic patient without evidence of pulmonary disease is frequently a manifestation of asbestos dust exposure, particularly when it is localized or in the form of a noncalcified pleural plaque. Bilateral pleural thickening will be discovered with increasing frequency if specifically searched for on every radiograph. This radiographic finding is suggested as a more realistic indication of asbestos dust exposure, particularly when correlated with a complete occupational history.