Pathological observation of progressive massive fibrosis in autophy frompatients with coal worker's pneumoconiosis / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the pathological features of progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) in the lung tissues of patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective analysis was made on the autopsies from 8 patients with CWP, which were observed under a microscope by HE staining, given their occupational history.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The age of 8 cases ranged 47-71 years (mean, 59.9 years), and their dust exposure time was 18-32 years (mean, 25.1 years). All the 8 cases were complicated by chronic bronchitis as well as emphysema, 7 cases by pulmonary heart disease, and 4 cases by pulmonary tuberculosis. In this group of patients, PMF was mainly distributed in the hilum and the upper lobe of the lung, including 7 cases of nodular fusion type and 1 case of PMF type. The collagen fibers around PMF extended radially and destroyed its surrounding tissue.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Nodular fusion type is the main form of PMF in the lung tissues of CWP patients. It has a progressive and destructive process, which is the manifestation of advanced CWP.</p>