Which statement correctly describes coal workers' pneumoconiosis?
- A The coal macule consists of carbon-laden macrophages surrounding respiratory bronchioles ✓
- B It carries a markedly increased risk of pulmonary tuberculosis comparable to silicosis
- C It characteristically produces eggshell calcification of hilar nodes
- D Ferruginous bodies are its diagnostic hallmark on microscopy
Correct answer: A. The coal macule consists of carbon-laden macrophages surrounding respiratory bronchioles
Explanation
In coal workers' pneumoconiosis, inhaled carbon dust accumulates in macrophages around respiratory bronchioles forming the coal macule, which may be accompanied by focal centrilobular emphysema. Unlike silicosis, simple coal dust exposure does not confer a strong tuberculosis risk. Eggshell nodal calcification is a feature of silicosis, and ferruginous bodies indicate asbestos exposure, not coal dust.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.