Question

A 64-year-old man smokes one or two cigarettes a day sporadically on weekends and he has been diagnosed with severe emphysema. His pulmonologist, on examining his routine blood work, finds elevated serum transaminases. Hepatitis serologies reveal no evidence of viral hepatitis A, B, or C. A younger brother died of emphysema at age 50 and has no smoking history. Which of the following diseases should most likely be considered to explain this patient's liver abnormalities AND his lung disease? a. Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency b. Primary haemochromatosis c. Primary sclerosing cholangitis d. Secondary haemachromatosis e. Wilson disease

Answer 1

Explanation: Have a nice day let me know if this helped

Based on the information provided, the most likely disease that could explain both the patient's liver abnormalities and lung disease is Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD).

Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited disorder that can lead to both liver and lung problems. It occurs when the body does not produce enough of a protein called alpha-1-antitrypsin, which helps protect the lungs from damage caused by enzymes released by immune cells.

In this case, the patient's severe emphysema and liver abnormalities suggest a possible connection to AATD. The fact that the patient's younger brother also died of emphysema at a young age without a smoking history further supports the possibility of an inherited condition.

The elevated serum transaminases found in the patient's blood work could be due to liver damage caused by AATD. This deficiency can lead to the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the liver, causing liver inflammation and damage.

It is important to note that further testing and evaluation would be needed to confirm the diagnosis of Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. A pulmonologist or a specialist in genetic disorders would be the appropriate healthcare professional to consult for a definitive diagnosis and appropriate management.

Other conditions listed in the answer choices, such as primary hemochromatosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, secondary hemochromatosis, and Wilson disease, are less likely to explain both the liver abnormalities and lung disease in this patient based on the given information.