Infections Leading to Broncholithiasis: A Case Report and Review of All Causes. Issue 1 (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shenoy, Rahul; Nanjappa, Sowmya; Toloza, Eric M.; Greene, John N.
• Is Part Of: Infectious diseases in clinical practice. Volume 25:Issue 1(2017:Jan.)
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: infection -- histoplasmosis -- tuberculosis -- broncholith -- broncholithiasis; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1097/IPC.0000000000000404
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1056-9103

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: Broncholithiasis is a condition where there is a presence of broncholiths or calcified masses in the airways. The broncholiths commonly are calcified peribronchial lymph nodes that are formed in response to chronic granulomatous infections. The calcified masses either compress the bronchi or erode through the walls into the lumen. They then may be aspirated or expectorated (lithoptysis). Infections with bacteria and fungi have been associated with the development of broncholiths. We present a case of histoplasma infection leading to the formation of broncholiths that were surgically resected along with a literature review of other infectious and noninfectious causes of broncholiths.