Which radiographic features are associated with asbestos exposure?

• A. Hilar lymphadenopathy
• B. Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage
• C. Pleural effusion
• D. Peribronchial fibrosis with reticular opacities and subpleural thickening

Answer: (D)

Asbestos exposure most often leads to a fibrotic interstitial lung disease with basilar, subpleural predominance, known as asbestosis. On imaging this shows up as reticular (net-like) opacities with subpleural thickening and often peribronchial fibrosis, reflecting chronic interstitial scarring along the lung edges and around the bronchi. This pattern closely matches the described finding—peribronchial fibrosis with reticular opacities and subpleural thickening—making it the best answer. While pleural disease such as plaques can occur with asbestos exposure, the classic radiographic signature of asbestos-related lung disease is this subpleural interstitial fibrosis pattern. Hilar lymphadenopathy, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, and isolated pleural effusion are not characteristic hallmarks of asbestos exposure.