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broncholithiasis
Perforation of a calcified lymph node or calcified granuloma from the hilar region into the lumen of the bronchial tree.
Etiology:
1) tuberculosis
2) mycosis
a) aspergillosis
b) blastomycosis
c) coccidioidomycosis
d) histoplasmosis
Clinical manifestations:
1) sudden cough
2) hemoptysis
a) may be copious
b) may contain fragments of CaCO3 or Ca3(PO4)2 (lithoptysis)
3) coarse rhonchi
4) wheezing
5) fever
6) retinal hemorrhages
Special laboratory:
- bronchoscopy:
1) may reveal broncholith
2) may localize site of perforation
Radiology:
1) calcified fragment in distal bronchus
2) calcification of hilar or peritracheal lymph nodes
Related
hemoptysis
lithoptysis
General
lung disease
References
- DeGowin & DeGowin's Diagnostic Examination, 6th edition,
RL DeGowin (ed), McGraw Hill, NY 1994, pg 870
- Mayo Internal Medicine Board Review, 1998-99, Prakash UBS (ed)
Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, 1998, pg 719, 748