Broncholithiasis - A Review.

Broncholithiasis - A Review. Chest. 2019 May 30;: Authors: Alshabani K, Ghosh S, Arrossi AV, Mehta AC Abstract The term "Broncholithiasis" is defined as a presence of calcified or ossified materials within the tracheobronchial tree. The report of the condition dates backs to year 300 BC when Aristotle first described a symptom of "spitting of stones." 1 The process of calcification usually starts within either the mediastinal, hilar, or peribronchial lymph nodes. The impetus is typically initiated by a granulomatous process such as Tuberculosis or histoplasmosis, however it can also been seen following exposure to other fungal, or occupational elements. The exact mechanism of the calcified material [broncholith] entering the endobronchial tree remains unknown. It is however hypothesized that the calcified tissues gradually erodes and/ or breaks loose in the airways, as a result of repetitive movements of respiration or cardiac pulsations. However, often the broncholiths are found in the airways without any signs of erosion. The most common symptoms of broncholithiasis include cough, hemoptysis, and wheezing as a result of irritation of the airways and the surrounding tissues. The diagnosis is typically suspected on a chest radiographs and confirmed by bronchoscopy. Depending on the severity of the disease, management options vary from a simple observation to a surgical resection. Despite the potential for a major complications, the o...
Source: Chest - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Chest Source Type: research