Question

A patient collapses with breathlessness and pink frothy sputum. Autopsy shows hemosiderin-laden macrophages. In which condition is this not seen?

• A. Protein-losing enteropathy
• B. Right heart failure
• C. Volume overload
• D. Pulmonary vein obstruction

Hint:

Hemosiderin-laden macrophages in lungs are heart failure cells, seen in chronic pulmonary congestion.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Hemosiderin-laden macrophages in lungs are called heart failure cells. They are seen in chronic pulmonary congestion due to raised pulmonary venous pressure.

Step 1: Identify the finding.
Hemosiderin-laden macrophages indicate repeated leakage of RBCs into alveoli with breakdown of hemoglobin.

Step 2: Identify associated conditions.
They may be seen in conditions causing pulmonary congestion such as: \[ \text{Left-sided heart failure, volume overload, pulmonary venous obstruction} \]

Step 3: Find where it is not seen.
Protein-losing enteropathy causes loss of plasma proteins through the gut. It does not primarily cause pulmonary venous congestion. Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \text{Protein-losing enteropathy} \]