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Broncholithiasis presenting as bronchiectasis and recurrent pneumonias.
Melissa Dakkak1, Furqan Siddiqi2, James Davis Cury2
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
BMJ Case Reports
|June 25, 2015
Summary
Broncholiths, calcified material in the airways, can cause recurrent pneumonia and other serious lung issues. Conservative antibiotic treatment successfully resolved a case in a patient unsuitable for surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Broncholiths are calcified concretions within the bronchial tree or adjacent cavities.
- Commonly associated with Histoplasmosis or tuberculosis (TB).
- Can lead to significant pulmonary complications including bronchiectasis and recurrent pneumonia.
Observation:
- A case of recurrent pneumonia caused by a broncholith is presented.
- The patient experienced recurrent fevers and post-obstructive pneumonias.
- Surgical interventions like lobectomy or bronchoscopic removal were considered but not feasible due to comorbidities.
Findings:
- The broncholith was successfully treated conservatively with antibiotics.
- Broncholiths are an uncommon yet significant cause of lung pathology.
- Delayed diagnosis is frequent due to varied symptoms and low clinical suspicion.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering broncholiths in patients with recurrent pneumonia.
- Emphasizes conservative management when feasible.
- Treatment choice depends on broncholith characteristics and patient factors, necessitating a tailored approach.
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