Tomographic Fibrosis Score in the Patients with Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease.

BACKGROUND: Various visual semi-quantitative staging systems based on high-resolution computed tomography are used to evaluate inflammatory rheumatologic disease-associated interstitial lung disease. We aimed in this retrospective study to evaluate whether tomographic fibrosis score, a new visual semi-quantitative staging system, was a predictor of mortality and the relationship between tomographic fibrosis score and respiratory function tests in patients with systemic sclerosis-associ- ated interstitial lung disease. METHODS: The patients who have been followed up at a single-center rheumatology clinic for the last 5 years and met the American College of Rheumatology / European League Against Rheumatism (ACR-EULAR) 2013 systemic sclerosis classification criteria were included in the study. Clinical data were obtained retrospectively from patient records, including patients' characteristics, pulmonary function test (forced vital capacity), diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide test, high-reso- lution computed tomography results, medication history, and serological test results. High-resolution computed tomography of the patients diagnosed with interstitial lung disease were assessed for the study. The radiologists scored the extent of parenchymal abnormalities (ground glass opacification, reticulation, honeycombing, and consolidation) and calculated tomographic fibrosis score and also traction bronchiectasis score for each patient. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (46 female, median age 60 (Q1-Q3:47-66) years) were included in this study. The median disease duration, follow-up time, interstitial lung disease duration, and time from sys- temic sclerosis diagnosis to interstitial lung disease diagnosis were 80 (59-143) months, 78 (50-119) months, 63 (43-81) months, and 4 (0-58) months, respectively. The median tomographic fibrosis score and traction bronchiectasis score of the patients were 3.08% (1.33-8.06) and 0 (0-2), respectively. There was a moderate direct correlation between tomographic fibrosis score and traction bronchiectasis score (r = +0.472, P < .001). Additionally, there was a mod- erate inverse correlation between tomographic fibrosis score and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide at diagnosis (r = -0.554, P = .011). During the follow-up period, 12 (23%) patients died. Kaplan-Meier Test (P = 0.009) and Cox regression analysis (B: 4.673, 95% confidence interval, 1.321-16.529, P = .017) revealed that tomographic fibrosis score ≥ 5% was associated with mortality. Multivariate analysis was not performed due to the small number of patients. CONCLUSION: An inverse relationship was found between tomographic fibrosis score and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide at diagnosis. The odds ratio for mortality was 4.7 when tomographic fibrosis score was ≥5%. Tomographic fibrosis score may be useful for predicting mor- tality and respiratory function in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease.

Chemotherapy-induced Pulmonary Toxicity Mimicking COVID-19 Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 generally affects the lungs by causing pneumonic infiltration. Typical Computed Tomography (CT) findings are bilateral, multifocal, peripheral, and patchy ground-glass opacities. These CT findings can also be seen in drug toxicities. Rapid and accurate differential diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia from Chemotherapy-Induced Pulmonary Toxicity (CPT) is essential because the treatment strategies are different. In this case report, we define the clinical and lung CT findings of two cases of CPT mimicking COVID-19 pneumonia. CASE REPORTS: The first patient was a 39-year-old male who was under a 5-fluorouracil + folinicacid + oxaliplatin + panitumumab (FOLFOX) treatment of regimen because of metastatic rectal cancer. The second patient was a 53-year-old male with testicular seminoma who was treated with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) protocol. Both patients presented to the emergency department with increased dyspnea after chemotherapy. Thorax CT showed similar findings to COVID-19 pneumonia. On follow-up CTs, these findings disappeared with steroid treatment as well as withdrawal of the chemotherapeutic agents and this enabled us to make a differential diagnosis. Also, two consecutive COVID-19 real-time polymerase chain reaction tests were negative in both patients. CONCLUSION: When lung CT findings of the oncologic patients are similar to COVID-19 pneumonia, chemotherapy-induced pulmonary toxicity should also be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy effectively reduces calcaneal spur length and spur-related pain in overweight and obese patients.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effects of extra corporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) on the calcaneal spur length and pain severity in overweight and obese patients with symptomatic calcaneal spur. METHODS: In eighty patients with symptomatic calcaneal spur, ESWT was administered on days 0 and 7, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores and calcaneal spur lengths (CSLs) before and 3 months later after treatment were recorded. A lateral heel radiograph was used for computer-aided linear measurements of CSL. RESULTS: Of 80 patients, 59 (73.7%) were female and 21 were male (26.3%); age was 45.9 ± 8.3 years; BMI was 31.6 ± 4.4 kg/m2; and symptom duration was 2.3 ± 2.4 years. The CSL and VAS score after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (CSL before vs. after: 5.7 ± 1.0 vs. 4.4 ± 0.9, p = 0.001; VAS score before vs. after: 8.3 ± 1.4 vs. 4.6 ± 2.2; p = 0.03). The CSLs before and after treatment had a significant strong correlation (r = 0.832, p = 0.001). The VAS scores before and after treatment presented a significant mild correlation (r = 0.242, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In overweight and obese patients with symptomatic calcaneal spur, ESWT reduces the CSL and pain severity during a follow-up of three-month duration.

Relationship between radiological (X-ray/HRCT), spirometric and clinical findings in dental technicians' pneumoconiosis.

INTRODUCTION: Pneumoconiosis in dental technicians' has rarely been evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate clinical, functional and radiological impacts of exposure to dust on respiratory functions via chest X-ray (CXR), high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and spirometry in dental technicians. METHODS: Demographic data, respiratory symptoms, spirometry results, CXR and HRCT scans of 32 dental technicians were evaluated. The opacities on the radiological images were categorized based on their intensity. We investigated the relation of radiological scores with clinical, radiological and functional findings. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 31 ± 9 years and mean employment duration was 14 ± 9 years. Twenty-two (69%) technicians had a history of smoking. The most common symptom was phlegm, while dyspnea prevalence was higher in those with an elevated International Labour Office (ILO) profusion score (P < 0.01). Parenchymal opacities were determined in 10 (31%) technicians by CXR and in 22 (69%) technicians by HRCT (P < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between ILO profusion score and HRCT score (r = 0.765, P < 0.01). ILO profusion score and HRCT score showed positive correlation with employment duration (r = 0.599, P = 0.01; r = 0.514, P = 0.01, respectively), while exhibiting negative correlation with FVC (r = -0.509, P < 0.05; r = -0.627, P = 0.01 respectively), FVC% (r = -0.449, P < 0.05; r = -0.457, P < 0.05, respectively) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (r = -0.473, P < 0.05; r = -0.598, P = 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We believe that a combined approach including spirometry, CXR and HRCT modalities should be employed in demonstrating respiratory disorders associated with exposure to inorganic dusts in dental technicians.

Exploration of orbital and orbital soft-tissue volume changes with gender and body parameters using magnetic resonance imaging.

The aim of the present study was to examine the total orbital volume (TOV) and total orbital fat volume (TOFV) in normal orbits in different age groups and to investigate the correlation of these measurements with age, gender and body parameters by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI data were acquired retrospectively from a total of 1,453 subjects divided into five age groups with 10-year intervals. The TOV and TOFV were measured using T1-weighted MRI for each subject and body parameters were also obtained. The measurements demonstrated that TOV increased with age and that the volume was larger in men than in women. While weight and height exhibited positive correlations with TOV in male and female subjects in the 20-29, 30-39 and 40-49-year-old age groups, only weight showed a positive correlation with TOV in female subjects in the 50-59 and 60-69-year-old age groups. However, TOFV increased by age in all groups and the increments were larger in women than in men. These results provide basic information about the effect of age, gender and body parameters on TOV and TOFV. The variations in TOV are associated with orbital soft-tissues changes rather than with TOFV.

Correlation of right ventricular dysfunction on acute pulmonary embolism with pulmonary artery computed tomography obstruction index ratio (PACTOIR) and comparison with echocardiography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the pulmonary artery computed tomography obstruction index ratio (PACTOIR) in patients who have been diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism (APE) with multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) and to research the predetermination efficiency of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) compared with echocardiography (ECHO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients (50 males, 50 females), who had ECHO findings and were diagnosed with APE, were subsequently examined in this study. Patients who had RVD on ECHO, tricuspid regurgitation, and pulmonary hypertension parameters that were completely positive were accepted to have RVD. RESULTS: RVD was identified in 52 patients (52 %) on echocardiography. The PACTOIR value for patients with RVD were evaluated to be significantly higher than those without RVD (41 ± 17 vs 20 ± 12 %, p < 0.001). In the ROC analysis, the PACTOIR cut-off value was 37.5 %, the sensitivity value was 67.3 %, and specificity value was 93.7 % (AUC 0.839, 95 % CI 0.752-0.905). We determined that the patients with RVD and PACTOIR values over 37.5 % can be recognized with a 92.1 % positive predictive value. CONCLUSION: Our conclusions indicated that the PACTOIR rate in RVD diagnosis in patients with APE can recognize the patients with and without RVD.

A longitudinal study on lung disease in dental technicians: what has changed after seven years?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this 7-year follow-up study was to determine respiratory changes in dental technicians. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In our region, in the year 2005, 36 dental technicians were evaluated with a cross-sectional study on respiratory occupational diseases, and in 2012 we evaluated them again. Inclusion of information on respiratory symptoms and demographic features questionnaires was applied. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) were performed. Chest X-rays (CXR) were evaluated according to the ILO-2000 classification. For the comparisons of the technicians' findings in 2005 and 2012, data analyses were performed with the Wilcoxon test in addition to descriptive statistical procedures. RESULTS: In 2012, 19 out of the 36 technicians continued to work in the same place, so we were able to evaluate their findings. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms in dental technician was as follows: dyspnea 7 (37%), cough 6 (32%), and phlegm 5 (26%). According to ILO classifications in 2005, among the 36 technicians, 5 (13.8%) had pneumoconiosis. At the end of 7 years, there were 9 pneumoconiosis cases among the 19 remaining technicians (47%). Thus, there was a statistically significant progression on the profusion of the radiologic findings (p < 0.005). Also there was a significant worsening on spirometric findings (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In dental technicians, a determination of both radiologic and functional progressions at the end of 7 years demonstrate that the primary and secondary preventive measures are necessary for these workplaces. Workplaces must be regularly controlled for worker health and hygiene.

A case of Budd-Chiari syndrome associated with alveolar echinococcosis.

Although alveolar echinococcosis (AE) can cause a serious disease with high mortality and morbidity similar to malign neoplasms. A 62-year-old woman admitted to a hospital located in Sivas, Turkey, with the complaints of fatigue and right upper abdominal pain. On contrast abdominal CT, a 54×70×45 mm sized cystic lesion was detected in the left lobe of the liver that was seen to extend to the posterior mediastinum and invade the diaphragm, esophagus, and pericardium. The cystic lesion was seen to be occluding the inferior vena cava and left hepatic vein at the level where the hepatic veins poured into the inferior vena cava. Bilateral pleural effusion was also detected. We discussed this secondary Budd-Chiari Syndrome (BCS) case, resulting from the AE occlusion of the left hepatic vein and inferior vena cava, in light of the information in literature.

Interrupted aortic arch in an adult with polycystic kidney disease.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common hereditary kidney disease and is responsible for 8-10% of patients with end-stage renal failure. The major extrarenal complications of ADPKD are cardiovascular abnormalities. Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a lethal congenital cardiac abnormality seen with a frequency of 3/1000000 births and is defined as a segment of the arcus aorta being atresic. In the literature, there are no any reports showing that polycystic kidney disease and interrupted aortic arch occur together. In this study, we present a rare case in which the patient has polycystic kidney disease and IAA together and discuss whether IAA is a complication of ADPKD.

Advanced age and apnea-hypopnea index predict subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Both obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) are considered to be related with the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD). In this study we evaluate the association between OSAS and presence of subclinical atherosclerosis assessed by tomographic coronary calcium score in patients who had OSAS but no history of known CAD. METHODS: Seventy-three patients who were asymptomatic for CAD and had suspected OSAS were referred to overnight attended polysomnography. Patients were classified into 4 groups according to the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). All patients underwent computed tomographic examination for tomographic coronary calcification scoring. Physical examination, sleep study recordings, complete blood count and serum biochemistry were obtained from all patients. RESULTS: In the whole group, AHI levels were weakly correlated with coronary calcium score (r = 0.342, p = 0.003) and body mass index (r = 0.337, p = 0.004), moderately correlated with basal oxygen saturation (r = -0.734, p < 0.001), and strongly correlated with oxygen desaturation index (r = 0.844, p < 0.001). In an univariate analysis, age, AHI, basal oxygen saturation, and oxygen desaturation index were associated with CAC in patients with OSAS. In a multiple logistic regression model, age (OR 1.108,%95 CI 1.031-1.191, p = 0.005) and AHI (OR 1.036,% 95 CI 1.003-1.070, p = 0.033) were only independent predictors of CAC in patients with OSAS with a sensitivity of 88.9% and 77.8% and a specificity of 54.3% and 56.5% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that in patients with moderate or severe OSAS and advanced age, physicians should be alert for the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis.

CT assessment of bone remodeling in the otic capsule in chronic renal failure: association with hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE: Hearing loss (HL) is common in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), but its cause is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of CRF on the bone density of the otic capsule using densitometric measurements with MDCT and to evaluate the relationship between changes in the otic capsule density and HL in patients with CRF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 34 patients with nonsyndromic CRF undergoing hemodialysis and 35 healthy control subjects. A CT was obtained, for a variety of reasons, in control subjects who did not have CRF or HL, but patients with trauma and infection were excluded. Control subjects were chosen on the basis of a normal CT and pure tone audiometry findings. Densitometric measurements were made using CT in the region anterior to the oval window and anterior to the internal auditory canal. These measurements were compared between patients and control subjects. Pure tone audiometry was performed to detect HL. The average levels of parathyroid hormone in the previous 6 months and the duration of hemodialysis in patients were documented. The association between the levels of parathyroid hormone, the duration of hemodialysis, and the region-of-interest density values in the patient groups were evaluated using the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: HL was found in 40 of 68 ears (58.8%) in the patient group. A significant difference in the otic capsule density was found between the ears with and without HL. There was a strong negative correlation between the parathyroid hormone level and the densitometric measurement of the otic capsule. CONCLUSION: There is osseous remodeling of the otic capsule in CRF with loss of bone density, and this is associated with HL in CRF.

Thoracic computed tomography findings in malignant mesothelioma.

BACKGROUND: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an uncommon neoplasm. MPM occurs more frequently in patients born or living in certain villages of Turkey. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to review radiological findings of MPM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the CT findings in 219 biopsy-proven MPM patients admitted to our clinic between 1993 and 2008. RESULTS: The most common CT findings included pleural thickening (n=197, 90%) classified as diffuse (n=138, 63%), nodular (n=49, 22%) and mass-type (n=16, 7%). Pleural effusion was found in 173 patients (79%), involvement of the interlobar fissures in 159 (73%), mediastinal pleural involvement in 170 (78%), volume contraction in 142 (65%), mediastinal shift in 102 (47%) and mediastinal lymphadenopathy in 54 (25%). CONCLUSION: MPM may present with diverse radiological features. Pleural thickening and pleural effusion were the most frequent radiological findings. Thoracic CT scans might be assessed more cautiously in patients with environmental exposure to asbestos.

Effects of zoledronic acid on sutural bone formation: a computed tomography study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of systemically applied zoledronic acid (ZA) on osteoblastic bone formation and relapse in the rat sagittal suture after expansion. Eighteen 12-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into three groups. In groups 1 and 2, a saline solution was given subcutaneously after expansion and the retention period lasted for 14 and 7 days, respectively. In group 3, 0.1 mg of ZA was diluted with saline and given subcutaneously after expansion: the retention period lasted for 7 days. Computed tomography (CT) measurements were obtained at the start of the study (T1), after expansion (T2), after the retention period (T3), and after the follow-up period (T4). The amount of expansion and relapse and the density of the newly formed bone in the expansion area were measured. The mean bone density values in hounsfield unit (HU) of the newly formed bone were recorded using MX View Workstation. Data were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney U-tests. The results showed that there were significant differences between the groups in the density of newly formed bone after the retention period (P < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed when the relapse percentages were compared between the groups (P < 0.05). ZA stimulated bone formation and decreased the relapse ratio after expansion in the rat sagittal suture.

Comparison of local and systemic alendronate on distraction osteogenesis.

This study compared the effect of systemic and local administration of alendronate on distraction osteogenesis in rabbit mandibles. Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were allocated to 3 groups: 10 rabbits for systemic alendronate; 9 for local alendronate; and 11 as controls. After a 5 day latency period, distraction was performed at a rate of 0.8mm/day for 9 days via a custom-made distractor. Animals were killed at the end of the consolidation period of 28 days. The distracted mandibles were harvested and evaluated by plain radiography, computed tomography (CT), dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and histomorphometry. Histologically, comparing the systemic and local alendronate groups, there were no statistically significant differences in the bone healing parameters, but each group showed a statistically superior effect over the control group (p<0.05). Quantitative CT evaluation showed a significant difference mean in the density of the regeneration between experimental and control groups. There was a significant increase in mean bone mineral density in the experimental groups compared with the control group. Histologic, CT, and DEXA analysis demonstrated that using systemic and local alendronate may be effective in accelerating new bone formation in the distraction gap in rabbit mandibles.

Effects of bisphosphonates on sutural bone formation and relapse: A histologic and immunohistochemical study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the effects of systemically applied zoledronic acid on bone regeneration in response to expansion of the sagittal suture and relapse in rats. METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups. In the first and second groups, saline solution was given subcutaneously after expansion, and the retention periods lasted 14 and 7 days, respectively. In the third group, 0.1 mg of zoledronic acid was diluted with saline solution and given subcutaneously after expansion; the retention period lasted for 7 days. Expansion and relapse amounts were measured by using computed tomography. After the retention period, 6 rats from each group were killed for histologic and immunohistochemical assessments. The other 6 rats from each group were used for observation of the relapse. RESULTS: The histologic evaluation showed that, in groups 1 and 2, the numbers of osteoblasts were less than observed in group 3. When scores of staining intensity were compared, immunoreactivities were statistically significantly increased in group 3 compared with groups 2 and 1. Statistically significant differences were found when the relapse percentages were compared between the groups (P <0.05). The smallest relapse occurred in group 3. CONCLUSIONS: Zoledronic acid has positive effects on bone formation in the sagittal suture in response to expansion and decreases the relapse ratio after expansion in rats.

Distribution and absorption of local anesthetics in inferior alveolar nerve block: evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution and absorption of local anesthetic solutions in inferior alveolar nerve block using magnetic resonance imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty healthy volunteers were divided into 4 groups and injected with 1.5 mL for inferior alveolar nerve block and 0.3 mL for lingual nerve block. The solutions used for the different groups were 2% lidocaine, 2% lidocaine with 0.125 mg/mL epinephrine, 4% articaine with 0.006 mg/mL epinephrine, and 4% articaine with 0.012 mg/mL epinephrine. All subjects had axial T2-weighted and fat-suppressed images at 0, 60, and 120 minutes after injection. The localization, area, and intensity (signal characteristics) of the solutions were analyzed and onset and duration times of the anesthesia were recorded. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups with regard to the intensity and area of the solutions at 0, 60, and 120 minutes after injection, but differences were found within each group. CONCLUSIONS: No between-group differences were found on magnetic resonance imaging in the distribution and absorption of lidocaine with or without epinephrine and articaine with 0.006 and 0.012 mg/mL epinephrine. All solutions were noticeably absorbed at 120 minutes after injection.

Primary hydatid disease of the pancreas mimicking pancreatic pseudo-cyst in a child: case report and review of the literature.

Primary hydatid disease of the pancreas is very rare. We report the case of a 7-year-old girl who presented with abdominal pain and an epigastric mass. The Casoni and indirect hemagglutination test for hydatid disease were negative. A diagnosis of a pancreatic pseudocyst was established by ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography scan before surgery. Ultrasound guided percutaneous drainage was planned as treatment. During the procedure, the cyst was perforated and as germinative membrane was seen by US, we arranged surgery. Hydatid disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all cystic masses in the pancreas, even if Casoni and indirect hemagglutination tests negative, especially in geographic regions like Turkey, where the disease is endemic.

The frequency of chronic rhinosinusitis/nasal polyp in COPD and its effect on the severity of COPD.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of chronic rhinosinusitis/nasal polyposis on the severity of COPD and to find out whether the 'united airway disease' hypothesis is valid for COPD. The study enrolled 90 patients diagnosed and staged according to criteria of an international guideline for diagnosis and management of COPD. The patients in stages I and II were classified as Group 1 and the patients in stages III and IV as Group 2. All the patients were questioned about the presence of major and minor criteria of sinusitis, underwent paranasal sinus computed tomography (PNS-CT) scans, and answered a questionnaire based on a quality of life test for sinusitis (SNOT-20). Sinusitis was present in 48 (53%) patients according to criteria of major and minor symptoms, and in 58 (64%) patients according to Lund-Mackay scoring system of PNS-CT. There was no significant difference in CT score between Group 1 and Group 2 (2.3 +/- 0.5 vs. 2.1 +/- 0.4, p > 0.05). However, the frequency of minor symptoms was greater in Group 2. SNOT-20 score was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (28.7 +/- 1.7 and 22.2 +/- 1.9, respectively, p = 0.014). A significant correlation was determined between Lund-Mackay and SNOT-20 scores. The presence of CRS should be assessed in COPD patients, especially in those with severe disease. Further research is needed to disclose possible common immunopathological mechanisms in the pathogeneses of COPD and CRS.

Prevalence of respiratory abnormalities and pneumoconiosis in dental laboratory technicians.

A preventable occupational disease, pneumoconiosis that is often widespread on to a very kind of quartz, carbon and metal dust exposed work place.The data for the prevalence of pneumoconiosis and respiratory findings among dental laboratory technician is insufficient. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of pneumoconiosis and respiratory findings among dental laboratory technicians, working in province of Sivas. For this reason all the dental technicians (except 2, totally 36) participated in the study. A questionnaire which contains demographic characteristics, work conditions and symptoms were applied to all participants. Also spirometric measurements and chest x-rays were performed. The x-rays of dental technicians were evaluated by a radiologist and a chest disease specialist according to the ILO-2000 classification of pneumoconiosis. Almost half of the all participants have dyspnea and phlegm expectoration. The prevalence of pneumoconiosis was 5 (13.8%) among 36 dental technicians. There were no statistically significant differences between two groups with regard to respiratory symptoms. Values of lung function parameters of the dental technician group were not significantly different from those of control group except FEV(1). In conclusion, dental laboratory technicians are at significant risks for occupational respiratory diseases so the primary prevention rules are essential for these work places.