Lung function and nervous system involvement in asbestosis.

A group of 115 patients with asbestosis of the lungs was tested in detail for neurological functions and lung functions in order that any possible impaired pulmonary function and neurological signs (especially peripheral neuropathy) could be discovered. Attention was also paid to finding out whether peripheral neuropathy, which is frequently encountered among asbestosis patients, had any role in decreased pulmonary function. A slight trend towards lowered spirometrical values (vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, maximal mid-expiratory flow and maximal expiratory flow at 25% of vital capacity) was found for the group of patients with peripheral neuropathy. No differences in diffusing capacity were found between the groups of patients either with or without peripheral neuropathy. We concluded that the spirometrical findings are more indicative of a parallel phenomenon than a causal factor. Nor was the involvement of the central nervous system associated with decreased pulmonary function. In short, the pulmonary dysfunction of our asbestosis patients did not appreciably contribute to the occurrence of nervous system involvement, whether central or peripheral.