Mainstem to mainstem bronchial fistula from broncholithiasis

Broncholithiasis is a rare condition in which calcified material erodes into the tracheobronchial tree. Most are caused from a fungal, nocardial, mycobacterial, or silicosis-related granulomatous lymphadenitis. Over time, the peribronchial lymph nodes become calcified; thereafter, with the normal repetitive motions of respiration, circulation, and deglutition, the calcifications erode into the lumen of the airway. This condition can be challenging to diagnose as its symptoms can mimic many more common diseases. The most common symptoms are wheezing, chronic cough, and dyspnea; thus, it was previously referred to as "stone asthma." More devastating complications can include massive hemoptysis, recurrent pneumonias, bronchiectasis, mediastinal abscess, and fistula formations. Only airways to mediastinal, esophageal, or vascular fistulas have been reported in the literature. This is the first reported case of a patient treated with electrocautery forceps, who developed a mainstem to mainstem bronchial fistula.