CTICasesBroncholithiasis (Three Cases)
Imaging findings
Three distinct cases demonstrate broncholithiasis. The first involves a calcified lymph node protruding into an airway, consistent with a broncholith, in a patient with evidence of histoplasmosis (splenic calcification). The second case shows calcified lymph nodes in the paratracheal and subcarinal regions, with associated lung calcifications and a triangular area of consolidation, likely from another broncholith causing obstruction or extrinsic compression, in a patient with bilateral histoplasmosis. The third case presents an opacity on chest radiograph, confirmed by CT as calcification protruding into the airway lumen with surrounding atelectatic lung, which was debrided.
Key takeaways
Broncholiths, often calcified lymph nodes eroding into the airway, can cause symptoms like cough, atelectasis, and can lead to lithoptysis (coughing up calcium fragments). Histoplasmosis is a common cause in the US, while tuberculosis is more prevalent elsewhere. Imaging demonstrates intraluminal protrusion of calcified material.
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