Nephrobronchial fistula: an uncommon manifestation of inflammatory renal disease

It is well known that inflammatory diseases of the kidney may involve the perirenal space and spread contiguously to other organs, such as the stomach, colon, gallbladder and duodenum. It is less well known that fistulas may develop between the kidney and the lung. Presenting symptoms may suggest either renal or pulmonary disease. Two cases are reported. Familiarity with this entity should help to avoid misdiagnosis, especially when presenting symptoms are related to the respiratory system.