Histology USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 42-year-old woman with no significant past medical history presents with progressive dyspnea and a dry cough for 4 months. She denies fever, weight loss, or occupational exposures. High-resolution CT chest shows bilateral lower lobe predominant pulmonary fibrosis with traction bronchiectasis. Pulmonary function tests reveal reduced FVC and DLCO. A surgical lung biopsy is performed. Which of the following histopathologic findings would be most consistent with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
Answer choices
- ADense acellular collagen with patchy temporal heterogeneity, interspersed fibroblast foci, and preserved distal alveolar architectureCorrect answer
- BNon-caseating granulomas with lymphocytic infiltrates and preserved lung architecture
- CAcute diffuse alveolar damage with hyaline membranes and interstitial edema
- DBronchocentric inflammation with fibrosis radiating from airways and granulomatous features
- EUniform fibrosis with minimal inflammation, preserved alveolar septa, and organized collagen in early stages
- FExtensive neutrophilic infiltration with microabscesses and acute inflammatory exudates
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