PLEURAL FIBROSIS AND CALCIFICATION.

Pleural fibrosis and calcification are usually benign sequelae of pleural inflammation or asbestos exposure.

Pleural calcification is a common manifestation of asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure initially may cause pleural thickening that can later calcify. Pleural effusions and mesothelioma also may be associated with the exposure.

Generally, the first manifestations of asbestos exposure are pleural plaques that later calcify ,The pleural plaque is an area of collagen deposition associated with an inflammatory reaction.

The pleural calcification that arises from asbestos exposure commonly occurs along the diaphragm and can be bilateral. Calcification that results from remote hemothorax, pyothorax, and tuberculosis is associated with thickening of the pleura over the entire lung.

True calcification

• calcified pleural plaquesfrom asbestos exposure: typically with sparing of the costophrenic angles
• hemothorax
• infection involving the pleura: e.g. pyothorax/empyema
• tuberculous pleuritis
• previous surgery
• extraskeletal osteosarcomaof pleura 
• radiation therapy 

Mimics of calcification

High density can result from magnesium mimicking calcification:

• previous talc pleurodesis 
• talcosis

DIAGNOSIS OF PLEURAL FIBROSIS

• X RAY
• CT SCAN
• MRI

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMEN FOR PLEURAL FIBROSIS

Arnica:  favors resorption at the beginning of an apoplectic stroke.

Aurum chloratum: Congestion of blood towards the head. Palpitation.

Barium chloratum: Progressive loss of memory, unsteadiness and psychic changes, vertigo, deafness and senility.

Conium: Vertigo, especially on rising, congestion of blood, loss of memory,general weakness of nervous system ,

Iodates: Increasing viscosity of bloods, acts on the thyroid glands, hypertonia and general arteriosclerosis.

Glonoinum: Congestions in head, strong pulse, oppression in chest and heart.

Plumbum aceticum: Pale hypertension with mental dementia. Nephrosclerosis with consequences of apoplexy. Intermittent limping.