Coal Worker's pneumonconiosis

Question 1

What causes coal worker’s pneumonconiosis?

Answer 1

Coal dust enters the alveoli. Alveolar macrophages try to clear it by engulfing the particles and they accumulate in the lungs.

Question 2

Where are coal macules found in the lungs usually?

Answer 2

Upper lobes

Question 3

What are the two types of coal worker’s pneumoconiosis?

Answer 3

Simple, complicated

Question 4

How does simple coal worker’s pneumoconiosis present?

Answer 4

Asymptomatic
*May increase for COPD because lung tissue is weak leading to dilation of the alveoli -> like emphysema

Question 5

What is complicated coal worker’s pneumoconiosis?

Answer 5

can progress to become severe
Macules accumulate into nodules that are => i cm in the upper half of the lungs.

Can be accompanied by necrotic nodules (Sterile necrotic (caseating) cavitary lesions.

Question 6

What are cavitary lesions?

Answer 6

Mass within the lung with air filled foci in the center.

Question 7

How could you diagnose this?

Answer 7

Patient history and x ray showing opacities in the UPPER LOBES.