A 62-year-old man arrives at the clinic to be evaluated for progressive exertional dyspnea. His medical history includes pneumonia and hypertension. He has smoked 45 packs in 45 years. Physical examination reveals bilaterally decreased breath sounds and wheezes. The image below depicts a CT scan of the chest. Which of the following cells are most responsible for the development of this patient's lung condition?

Question

A 62-year-old man arrives at the clinic to be evaluated for progressive exertional dyspnea. His medical history includes pneumonia and hypertension. He has smoked 45 packs in 45 years. Physical examination reveals bilaterally decreased breath sounds and wheezes. The image below depicts a CT scan of the chest.  Which of the following cells are most responsible for the development of this patient's lung condition?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The release of proteases, particularly elastase, from infiltrating neutrophils and alveolar macrophages is central to the pathogenesis of centriacinar emphysema caused by chronic, heavy smoking.

A 62-Year-Old Man Arrives at the Clinic to Be Evaluated