Abstract
Previous to 2016, cases of progressive massive fibrosis secondary to mining exposure had dwindled and were considered nearly eradicated. However, over 40 new cases were recently discovered in Kentucky, indicating a resurgence of a previously rare disease. We herein report a case of a 44-year-old male underground coal miner from Appalachia with fifteen years coal mining dust exposure who presented with four years of productive cough, dyspnea upon exertion and wheezing for an occupational pneumoconiosis evaluation. Since 2016, he suffered a precipitous decline in lung function consistent with restrictive lung disease and concomitant progression from simple coal workers’ pneumoconiosis to progressive massive fibrosis. In particular, his chest x-ray shows classic findings of “angel wings” caused by large fibrotic masses in both lungs. This case, as well as the several other new cases, call attention to the resurgence of PMF and requires examination of the factors contributing to its recent rebound.
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