Panacinar emphysema predominantly affecting the lower lobes is classically associated with:
- A Cigarette smoking
- B Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency ✓
- C Chronic bronchitis
- D Coal workers' pneumoconiosis
Correct answer: B. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Explanation
Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency causes panacinar emphysema predominantly in the lower lobes because the elastase-rich environment destroys the alveolar walls uniformly throughout the acinus in the gravity-dependent zones. Cigarette smoking causes centriacinar (centrilobular) emphysema predominantly in the upper lobes. AAT also causes liver cirrhosis due to accumulation of misfolded AAT polymer in hepatocytes.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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