Pneumoconioses: Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis

Question 1

What is CWP?

Answer 1

Due to anthracosis

Asymptomatic

Within macrophages and hilar lymph nodes of lung

Carbon anthracotic pigment – – from coal mining

Accumulates in macrophages along the pleural lymphatics and interstitium

Found in urban dwellers exposed to sooty air – collections of carbon-laden macrophages which cause fibrosis

Question 2

Who is the aetiology of CWP?

Answer 2

Carbon dust; seen in coal miners

Question 3

Explain the three stages of CXP

Answer 3

1. The earliest stage is asymptomatic
2. SIMPLE COAL WORKERS PNEUMOCONIOCOSIS - (black lung disease)

Causes shrunken lung – Characterized by coal-dust macules and nodules in the upper lobes that produce little pulmonary dysfunction

3. COMPLICATED COAL WORKERS PNEUMOCONIOCOSIS:

Progressive massive fibrosis Accompanied by increasing

• Respiratory distress
• Secondary pulmonary hypertension
• Cor pulmonale

Question 4

What syndrome can occur after complicated CWP?

Answer 4

CAPLAN SYNDROME

AKA rheumatoid pneumoconiosis

Combination of rheumatoid arthritis and fibrosis

Question 5

What lobes does it affect?

Answer 5

Upper

Question 6

Explain some symptoms

Answer 6

Does not usually cause symptoms

Progressive massive fibrosis causes progressive DYSPNOEA (complicated CWP)

Cough

Question 7

List the pathological findings

Answer 7

• Prolonged coal dust exposure
• Macrophages laden with carbon
• Causing inflammation and fibrosis
• Small rounded nodular opacities seen on imaging