What findings on a chest X-ray are indicative of asbestosis?

The findings indicative of asbestosis on a chest X-ray typically include calcified pleural plaques and evidence of fibrotic changes, particularly on the lateral aspects of the diaphragm. Asbestosis, a form of pneumoconiosis caused by asbestos exposure, is characterized by a specific pattern of interstitial fibrosis, which leads to a distinctive appearance on imaging.

Calcified plaques on the lateral right hemidiaphragm can suggest a long-term exposure to asbestos, as these plaques are a common result of asbestosis and indicate pleural involvement. The fibrotic changes seen in asbestosis reflect the scarring of lung tissue, which can hinder lung function and be visible as reticular patterns or increased opacities on the X-ray.

While enlarged hilar lymph nodes may be associated with other respiratory conditions, they are not specific to asbestosis. Interstitial lung markings, although they may appear in the context of various interstitial lung diseases, are not unique to asbestosis. Hyperinflation of the lungs is typically associated with obstructive pulmonary diseases rather than restrictive diseases like asbestosis, further clarifying why the specific findings of calcified plaques and associated fibrosis are critical in identifying asbestosis on imaging.