A65-year-old man comes to his physician because of progressively worsening shortness of breath for the past 2 months. He does not experience shortness of breath at rest. He also occasionally has a dry cough. He has not had fever, chills, or night sweats. The patient has smoked a pack of cigarettes daily for 40 years. His temperature is 37°C (98.6°F), pulse is 86/min, respirations are 22/min, and blood pressure is 133/85 mm Hg. Lung auscultation reveals a prolonged expiratory phase and end-expiratory wheezing. Spirometry shows an FEV1:FVC ratio of 62%, an FEV1 of 60% of predicted, and a total lung capacity of 125% of predicted. Which of the following cells most likely played a major role in the pathogenesis of this patient's lung condition?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Neutrophils, macrophages, and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes are the primary mediators of disease in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They secrete enzymes and proteases that cause and perpetuate both the alveolar destruction of emphysema and the mucus hypersecretion found in chronic bronchitis.

A65-Year-Old Man Comes to His Physician Because of Progressively Worsening