Bronchi

Broncholithiasis

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Broncholithiasis

  • Causes
  1. Pulmonary Tuberculosis
  2. Histoplasmosis
  3. Silicosis
  • Pathophysiology
  1. Broncholith perforates
    1. Calcified Lymph Node or Granuloma
  2. Perforation extends from hilar region into Bronchi
  • Symptoms
  1. Sudden onset cough
  2. Hemoptysis (may be massive)
  • Signs
  1. Hemoptysis may contain Calcium Carbonate fragments
  2. Coarse rhonchi
  3. Fever
  • Diagnosis
  1. Bronchoscopy
    1. May localize broncholith or perforation site
  1. Distal Bronchus with calcified fragment
  2. Hilar or paratracheal nodes may be calcified
  • Course
  1. Pulmonary Hemorrhage from broncholith has been fatal
  • References
  1. Lin (1978) JAMA 239:2153 [PubMed]