Which imaging modalities are most effective for confirming a diagnosis of asbestosis in primary care?

Based on the provided UK guidelines, no specific imaging modalities are stated as most effective for confirming a diagnosis of asbestosis in primary care ¹,²,³,⁴,⁵,⁶,⁷.

However, an urgent chest X-ray (to be performed within 2 weeks) is recommended in primary care for initial assessment in people aged 40 years and over who have been exposed to asbestos and present with unexplained symptoms such as cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, weight loss, or appetite loss ¹,². An urgent chest X-ray should also be considered for people aged 40 years and over with finger clubbing or chest signs compatible with pleural disease, if they have been exposed to asbestos ¹,². These recommendations are primarily to assess for mesothelioma ¹,².