| Abstract: | Pneumoconiosis, the predominant occupational disease in China and the world, is a pulmonary disease caused by the inhalation of inorganic dust, that is, particulate matter in the solid phase without living organisms[1]. As an irreversible, crippling, and even fatal disease, pneumoconiosis places a heavy burden on society. Industrial workers who are exposed to exhalable inorganic dust like asbestos, silica, and coal dust have a greater risk of developing pneumoconiosis. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are the key to a better prognosis. According to International Labour Organization (ILO) Guidelines, chest radiography is the most accessible and affordable radiological test available for the physical examination of workers exposed to dust and mass screening for pneumoconiosis[2]. However, the test is limited by the tremendous volume of images produced and the resultant burden on radiologists, resulting in low efficiency and poor stability. Additionally, radiographic interpretation is subjective and reliant on the personal experience of radiologists. Junior physicians may interpret the radiographs inaccurately, resulting in missed or delayed diagnoses. Therefore, a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) scheme developed for accurate and fast detection of pneumoconiosis can effectively reduce the workload of radiologists and improve the efficiency of mass screening with chest radiography. The system can also provide a diagnostic standard or reference for junior radiologists, which serves as a useful tool for radiological training. |
