20th February 2025

A 67-year-old woman presents to A&E with worsening shortness of breath.

A 67-year-old woman presents to A&E with worsening shortness of breath. She has been short of breath for a few years but this is now worsening. She has no chest pain but she tells you she has also suffered from a dry cough for a few years. 

Her past medical history includes glaucoma and polymyalgia rheumatica. Medications include eye drops and prednisolone. She has no allergies. She is not a smoker and has no pets. She works as a medical secretary. As a hobby, she enjoys different forms of art, including glass making.

On examination you note crepitations in the upper and mid zones. 

Observations are: HR 98 bpm, BP 125/78 mmHg, sats 92% on 4L O2 via nasal cannulae. Afebrile. 

She is slightly anaemic but bloods are otherwise unremarkable. The CXR is shown below:

Given the likely diagnosis, which other condition is this patient at increased risk of?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.