The association between bronchial anthracofibrosis and pneumoconiosis: A retrospective cross-sectional study

Bronchial anthracofibrosis (BAF) is associated with occupational hazardous dust exposure. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of BAF and BAC without fibrosis in patients with pneumoconiosis, and to evaluate the associations between BAC/BAF and occupational dust exposure and clinical manifestations among patients with pneumoconiosis.

A retrospective cross-sectional study (n=170) among individuals who were diagnosed with pneumoconiosis or suspicious pneumoconiosis and underwent bronchoscopy between January 2000 and February 2013 was performed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate associations.

In total, 153 eligible subjects were included in the study because their records contained all the required information. Of these, 81 (53%) and 63 (41%) had BAC and BAF, respectively. Occupational coal dust exposure increased the risk of BAF and BAC (odds ratio [OR]=2.980, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.184-8.128; OR=2.840, 95% CI=1.092-7.926, respectively). Profusion category 3 pneumoconiosis also increased the risk of BAC (OR=33.887, 95% CI=5.317-394.729).

BAF and BAC are associated with occupational exposure to coal dust. Therefore, clinicians should consider occupational history when they investigate the association between BAC/BAF and risk factors such as tuberculosis, lung cancer, and biomass fuel exposure.