Coal Worker's Pneumoconiosis

Question 1

What is pneumoconiosis?

Answer 1

Lung disease caused by mineral dust exposure

Question 2

How does a simple pneumoconiosis present

Answer 2

Abnormal CXR but no impairment of lung function

Question 3

How does a complicated pneumoconiosis present?

Answer 3

Progressive fibrosis

Restrictive pattern, breathlessness

Question 4

What is Caplan’s Syndrome?

Answer 4

Association between rheumatoid arthritis, pneumoconiosis and pulmonary rheumatoid nodules

Question 5

How is Caplan’s syndrome treated?

Answer 5

Symptomatic

Question 6

What is seen on CXR for Caplan’s?

Answer 6

Bilateral peripheral nodules

Question 7

What may be needed to diagnose Caplan’s?

Answer 7

CT with needle biopsy

Question 8

What are complications of Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis?

Answer 8

Caplan’s Syndrome

Progressive Massive Fibrosis

Question 9

What is Progressive massive fibrosis?

Answer 9

Due to progression of pneumoconiosis - fibrotic masses of 1-10 cm

Question 10

What does progressive massive fibrosis cause?

Answer 10

Progressive dyspnoea
Fibrosis
Eventually cor pulmonate

Question 11

Where are fibrotic masses seen in progressive massive fibrosis?

Answer 11

Upper zone on CXR

Question 12

What is Berylliosis?

Answer 12

Pneumoconiosis caused by exposure to beryllium, aerospace manufacturing

Question 13

How is Pneumoconiosis managed?

Answer 13

Avoid exposure to coal dust

Claim compensation

Question 14

How does Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis typically present?

Answer 14

Usually asymptotic

Co-existing bronchitis is common

Question 15

What is seen on a CXR for Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis?

Answer 15

Upper lobe round opacities