MCQ Pathology Answer 20

The correct Answer is A

Sarcoidosis is a pathologic condition which affects multiple organs and is characterized by the presence of noncaseating granulomas.

Pathology: The characteristic, but not pathognomonic, histologic finding is the noncaseating granuloma. Healing of the granuloma results in fibrosis and hyalinization. Granulomas often contain Schaumann's bodies and asteroid bodies.

Multisystem sarcoidosis is not caused by any element, but granulomatous disease may be caused by beryllium in the lungs and skin. The disease is called berylliosis.

One occupational exposure capable of producing a similar clinical picture as Sarcoidosis occurs in the beryllium industry. The first cases of acute berylliosis detected in the late 1940’s occurred in workers manufacturing fluorescent light bulbs in Salem, Massachusetts, which at that time utilized a phosphor that contained beryllium. This outbreak of sarcoidosis was nicknamed “Salem Sarcoidosis”. Since the realization that beryllium causes a granulomatous lung disease in some exposed workers, protective measures have greatly reduced the prevalence of chronic berylliosis, but new cases occur in workers unknowingly exposed, such as dental technicians and non-ferrous smelter workers.

Category: Pathology MCQs