[Bronchial obturation by broncholiths as a cause of recurrent bronchopulmonary inflammatory processes and late...

The authors have analyzed their experience in the diagnosis and treatment of 32 patients with broncholiths-induced obturation of the segmentary and lobar bronchi with subsequent prolonged recurring inflammatory, cirrhotic or suppurative bronchopulmonary processes farther to a site of bronchial obstruction. 37% of the patients only knew of primary tuberculosis. Chest pains were noted in 50%, hemoptysis in 40%. The rest of the symptoms were not characteristic. Therefore true diagnosis was established, as a rule, in a late period. Patients with broncholiths were treated for many years with the diagnosis of recurring pneumonia, cirrhotic or suppurative processes. Bronchoscopy is a method of choice because broncholiths can be found in a visible zone of the bronchial tree. The earlier bronchoscopy is performed, the easier and better can be the patients' cure.