Chest X-ray findings in Guilanian chemical warfare victims

Objective: Mustard gas is one of the chemical warfare agents that was used by Iraqi army many times in Iraq-Iran war. It has different effects on various organs. Chronic pulmonary complication is the most common. We studied chest X-ray and spirometric findings regarding these common chronic side effects of some victims. Methods: From 1017 victims of chemical warfare agent 231 cases were selected that had positive history of exposure to mustard gas and pulmonary complication. Pulmonary chest X-ray and spirometry was performed for these patients. Chest X-ray and spirometry findings were analyzed with SPSS software by Chi-square and Fisher exact tests. Findings: The mean age of 231 victims of mustard gas exposure was 32.18 years, who had been exposed 110.04 months ago (On the average). Chest X-ray abnormal findings were studied in 4 areas with most of the abnormal findings observed in lung and hilum, pleural sinuses, heart and mediastinum. In lungs an increased non-specific marking, bronchiectasia and hyperinflation were noticeable. Blunting or right and then left sinus. Large Aortic arch and cardiomegaly were other abnormal findings. In spirometric investigation, we found that 70% of them had abnormal spirometry with signs of obstruction, restriction or a combination of these in mild, moderate or severe forms. Conclusion: There is a meaningful relation between X-ray abnormal finding in heart and mediastinum and aging that suggest senescence has caused abnormal changes (P