EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports

Anthracosis is superficial black discoloration of bronchial mucosa resulting from repeated exposure to air pollution, inhalation of smoke, or coal dust that is caused by the accumulation of carbon in the lungs. Biomass incurrence or vulnerability emerges as the most common etiologic factor. Diagnosis is usually reached by bronchoscopic examination in patients with compatible findings while identification of anthracosis may lead to a challenge in regard to differential diagnosis from malignancy, chronic obstructive lung disease, tuberculosis, or fungal infection.

We present three cases of pulmonary anthracosis to discuss the clinical, radiologic, and bronchoscopic findings that may usually lead to a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. We set forth an assessment score analysis to reach a final accurate clinical diagnosis. The primary aim is to put forward a diagnostic algorithm analysis based on clinical, bronchoscopic, radiologic, and nuclear imaging manifestations for anthracosis identification based on our three cases along with the current literature data. This score analysis does not only provide a definitive diagnosis, but also ensures the most appropriate diagnostic pathway for clinicians in suspected cases.

Keywords: Pulmonary Anthracosis; CT; Bronchoscopy; Pathology

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