Déclaration et reconnaissance en maladie professionnelle après dépistage tomodensitométrique de maladies pleuropulmonaires bénignes dans le programme multirégional de surveillance postprofessionnelle de personnes exposées à l’amiante

Abstract

BackgroundUnderreporting of occupational diseases related to asbestos exposure remains a matter of concern in France. The aim of this study was to evaluate the number of claims for compensation for asbestos-related non-malignant pulmonary or pleural occupational disease in subjects having undergone a chest CT-scan in a multiregional screening programme. MethodsAmong the 5444 voluntary retired asbestos-exposed subjects recruited in four regions between 2003 and 2005 who had undergone a chest CT-scan, the number of claims for compensation for an asbestos-related pulmonary or pleural benign disease was analysed in 2006 and 2010. ResultsFollowing CT-scan screening, 17.2% of participants were acknowledged as presenting with an asbestos-related non-malignant occupational disease, essentially pleural plaques, by the French National Health Insurance fund. Underreporting decreased as duration of follow-up after CT-scan increased. Nevertheless, 4 years after CT-scan, underreporting was still as high as 36% for subjects identified as presenting with pleural plaques. Mean duration between the date of CT-scan and the date of recognition as occupational disease was 7.4 months, shorter in cases where screening was coordinated by specialized centres. ConclusionA plan of action for an easier claiming process for compensation of asbestos-related diseases is desired. This could probably be obtained through improved sensitization of physicians engaged in the follow-up of asbestos-exposed subjects, and by standardization of the interpretation and reporting of asbestos-related abnormalities observed on chest CT-scans.