broncholithiasis

Introduction

Perforation of a calcified lymph node or calcified granuloma from the hilar region into the lumen of the bronchial tree.

Etiology

• tuberculosis
• mycosis
  • aspergillosis
  • blastomycosis
  • coccidioidomycosis
  • histoplasmosis

Clinical manifestations

• sudden cough
• hemoptysis
  • may be copious
  • may contain fragments of CaCO3 or Ca3(PO4)2 (lithoptysis)
• coarse rhonchi
• wheezing
• fever
• retinal hemorrhages

Diagnostic procedures

• bronchoscopy:
• may reveal broncholith
• may localize site of perforation

Radiology

• calcified fragment in distal bronchus
• calcification of hilar or peritracheal lymph nodes

More general terms

• lung disease

Additional terms

• hemoptysis
• lithoptysis