Why is high resolution computerized tomography scanning used in evaluating the lungs?

High resolution computerized tomography scans have been used for medical and legal purposes to evaluate patients with a history of exposure to asbestos. Some investigators argue that high resolution scanning provides a better image of the lungs than routine computerized tomography. A review of the literature shows that although high resolution scanning displays the lymphatics in the lung, it offers no new useful diagnostic information. The authors conclude that no real advantage is attained with high resolution scanning of the lung and that pathology of disease can be determined decisively only by histology.