Occupational Lung disorders (incl m.m)

Question 1

What can inhalation of coal dust particles over 15-20 years cause?

Answer 1

Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (CWP)

Question 2

What can CWP progress to?

Answer 2

Progressive massive fibrosis (PMF)

Question 3

Pathophysiology of CWP?

Answer 3

macrophages ingest coal dust particles, releasing their enzymes and causing fibrosis

Question 4

Clinical features of CWP

Answer 4

asymptomatic

Question 5

What is common to co-exist with CWP?

Answer 5

chronic bronchitis

Question 6

Management of CWP, PMF and silicosis?

Answer 6

Avoid exposure to the particle (coal dust, or silica)

Question 7

By what act to claim compensation?

Answer 7

Industrial Injuries Act

Question 8

What’s Caplan’s syndrome?

Answer 8

The association between RA, pneumoconiosis and pulmonary rheumatoid nodules

Question 9

What would spirometry of silicosis show?

Answer 9

restrictive ventilatory defect

Question 10

which is the most and the least fibrinogenic type of asbestosis, and their colours

Answer 10

Most: crocidolite (blue)
Least: chrysotile (white)

Question 11

Which one of these diseases is asymptomatic?

Answer 11

CWP

Question 12

Whats the common symptom for the symptomatic of these diseases?

Answer 12

progressive dyspnea

Question 13

What is the mesothelium?

Answer 13

a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body

Question 14

What causes malignant mesothelioma?

Answer 14

asbestos

Question 15

Latent period for m. mesothelioma?

Answer 15

between exposure and tutor can be up to 45 years

Question 16

Presentation of m.m

Answer 16

chest pain, dyspnea, weight loss, finger clubbing, recurrent pleural effusions, signs of mets

Question 17

What would CXR/CT show for mm

Answer 17

pleural thickening/effusion

Question 18

How is Dx made for mm?

Answer 18

usually on histology from thoracoscopy. Often found post-mortem

Question 19

Prognosis of mm?

Answer 19

poor. 2yrs w/o chemo

chemo would be premetrexed + cisplatin