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Sunday, 23 October 2011

Coal worker pneumoconiosis

- related to total coal dust exposure
- simple CWP characterised by small rounded opacities (<1.5mm) on chest X-ray, and is associated with emphysema. Asymptomatic
- Progressive massive fibrosis (PMF)
    - development of larger opacities (>3mm)
    - lesion usually in upper zone
    - ANA and RF often positive
    - mixed restrictive and obstructive lung defect with reduced transfer factor
    - presents with melanoptysis
- Caplan syndrome = pneumoconiosis + rheumatoid arthritis
    - manifest as multiple round pulmonary nodules

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