Caplan's syndrome is the association of rheumatoid arthritis with pneumoconiosis most characteristically seen in workers exposed to:
- A Coal dust (coal worker's pneumoconiosis) ✓
- B Free crystalline silica (silicosis)
- C Asbestos fibres (asbestosis)
- D Cotton dust (byssinosis)
Correct answer: A. Coal dust (coal worker's pneumoconiosis)
Explanation
Caplan's syndrome describes the association of rheumatoid arthritis with multiple rounded pulmonary nodules in coal miners. It can also occur in silicosis and asbestosis but was originally described in coal miners. The nodules (Caplan's nodules) are histologically similar to rheumatoid nodules with a necrotic centre. Byssinosis affects cotton workers and produces Monday morning chest tightness.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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