A 75-Year-Old Man Is Found Unresponsive in His Home

A 75-year-old man is found unresponsive in his home.  Emergency medical services are called by the neighbor, but the patient is pronounced dead at the scene.  The patient had a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease, as well as a 25-pack-year smoking history.  He worked at a coal mine in the remote past and retired as an auto mechanic 15 years ago.  Autopsy is performed; a section of lung tissue stained with hematoxylin and eosin is shown below. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's abnormal histopathology findings?

A) Chronic inflammation triggered by crystalline silica
B) Decreased left ventricular systolic function
C) Excessive deposition of extracellular collagen
D) Hyperreactivity of airways to extrinsic allergens
E) Malignant transformation of bronchial epithelial cells
F) Neutrophil elastase-mediated alveolar septal destruction

Correct Answer:

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