[Pathological observation of progressive massive fibrosis in autophy frompatients with coal worker's pneumoconiosis].

OBJECTIVE

To study the pathological features of progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) in the lung tissues of patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP).

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

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.