Pleural plaques: correlation of autopsy findings to radiographic findings and occupational history.

An investigation was made to correlate autopsy findings of pleural plaques (PP) with the occupational history and findings of such plaques at X-ray before death. A good correlation was found between occupation and occurrence of PP at autopsy. Using strict criteria, 12.5% of all PP observed at autopsy, including small ones, were visible at X-ray. Almost half (3 of 8) of the widespread changes found at autopsy were seen on the X-rays. With more liberal roentgenological criteria 11 of the 24 cases were noted, but there were also 15 false positives.