A 65-Year-Old Man Dies While Hospitalized for Severe Breathing Difficulty

A 65-year-old man dies while hospitalized for severe breathing difficulty.  The patient had several prior episodes of dyspnea and cough requiring hospitalization.  He had a history of hypertension and chronic kidney disease.  The patient smoked a pack of cigarettes daily for 38 years and immigrated to the United States 20 years ago.  Autopsy is performed, and microscopic examination of the lungs reveals alveolar macrophages containing aggregates of golden-brown cytoplasmic granules that turn dark blue with Prussian blue staining.  Which of the following conditions is most likely associated with this patient's microscopic findings?

A) Airway hyperreactivity
B) Coal particle inhalation
C) Granulomatous microbial infection
D) Left ventricular dysfunction
E) Pulmonary arterial hypertension
F) Pulmonary thromboembolism

Correct Answer:

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