[Case of broncholithiasis lithoptysis occurring spontaneously after repeated pneumonia]

Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi. 2008 Feb;46(2):126-30.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

An abnormal chest shadow was pointed out in a 56-year-old woman in a health check in 2001. She had pulmonary tuberculosis at age 11. Because of repeated fever for the previous 2 years, she visited our hospital in 2003 and right upper lobe pneumonia was detected with a calcified nodule that completely obstructed the right upper lobe bronchus on CT. After admission, she spontaneously expectorated a stone. The composition of the stone was 57% calcium phosphate and 43% calcium carbonate. Radiological findings and the composition of the stone suggested that this broncholith was calcified bronchial mucus rather than a calcified lymph node that might have perforated into the airway. Bronchiectasis of the right B3 broncus was observed on CT scan after lithoptysis. Although the bronchiectasis was unchanged 2 years later, she had no symptoms, such as fever or cough.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Bronchial Diseases / complications*
  • Bronchiectasis / etiology*
  • Calcium Carbonate
  • Calcium Phosphates
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lithiasis / chemistry
  • Lithiasis / complications*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumonia / etiology*
  • Prognosis
  • Recurrence
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / complications

Substances

  • Calcium Phosphates
  • calcium phosphate
  • Calcium Carbonate