Pathology of Occupational Lung Disease

Question 1

This type of asbestos is more pathogenic and associated with mesothelioma, but is less common.

Answer 1

Amphibole type

Question 2

True/False. Rounded atelectasis is a life-threatening complication of asbestos exposure.

Answer 2

False - they are clinically benign plaques surrounding atelectatic tissue

Question 3

What is the most common type of asbestos to cause asbestosis?

Answer 3

Chrysotile

Question 4

True/False. Silicosis may continue to progress even if the patient is removed from the exposure.

Answer 4

True

Question 5

These are classic histologic findings in cases of asbestosis.

Answer 5

Asbestos bodies/Ferruginous bodies

Question 6

This immunohistologic stain is specific to mesothelioma.

Answer 6

Calretinin +

Question 7

What is the most common pathologic manifestation of asbestos exposure?

Answer 7

Pleural plaques - generally bilateral

Question 8

What are the stages of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis?

Answer 8

Anthracosis, simple coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, complicated coal workers’ pneumoconiosis

Question 9

What finding is likely to be present on a chest x-ray of a patient with silicosis?

Answer 9

Eggshell calcifications and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy

Question 10

A sandblaster presents with respiratory problems. Histologic analysis of lung tissue under polarized light reveals elongated crystalloid structures. What is the diagnosis?

Answer 10

Silicosis

Question 11

What histologic findings are characteristic of Berylliosis?

Answer 11

Noncaseating, non-necrotizing granulomas and multinucleated giant cells

Question 12

Describe the pathogenesis of silicosis.

Answer 12

Macrophages phagocytize silica crystals and stimulate the release of inflammatory mediators. This eventually leads to fibroblast activation and collagen deposition