Which chest radiograph pattern is typical of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis?

• A. Irregular opacities ranging from reticular to nodular patterns
• B. Eggshell calcifications
• C. Ground-glass opacity
• D. Pleural effusions

Answer: (A)

Coal workers' pneumoconiosis shows irregular opacities that range from reticular to nodular on chest radiographs, reflecting fibrotic change and coal dust–related nodules. This upper-lobe predominant pattern forms a mix of linear (reticular) markings and small nodules, which can coalesce into larger fibrotic masses as the disease advances. The other findings are less characteristic: eggshell calcifications point more to silicosis, ground-glass opacity suggests a different interstitial process or edema, and pleural effusions are not typical of simple CWP.