A RARE CASE OF BRONCHOLITHIASIS PRESENTING WITH CHRONIC COUGH AND MEDIASTINAL ABSCESS

Abstract

TYPE: Case Report TOPIC: Disorders of the Mediastinum INTRODUCTION: Broncholithiasis is a rare condition characterized by the erosion of calcified material into the tracheobronchial tree. We present a case of broncholithiasis complicated by mediastinal abscess. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old male presented with chronic cough and lithoptysis. Chest PET-CT demonstrated calcified right infrahilar and subcarinal soft tissue with avid FDG uptake. Infectious workup was negative, including histoplasma and mycobacterium testing. Bronchoscopy demonstrated mucosal inflammation around the bronchus intermedius. Endobronchial biopsies and EBUS-TBNA were negative for malignancy. Symptoms persisted despite multiple courses of antibiotics and prednisone. Repeat CT showed evolving mediastinal fluid collection and gas. The patient underwent right lower lobectomy and mediastinal lymphadenectomy which showed broncholithiasis, necrotizing granulomas as well as fibrinous and organizing inflammation. Following surgery, he developed right hydropneumothorax requiring chest tube placement with polymicrobial growth consistent with empyema. He was treated with IV antibiotics with subsequent resolution of his symptoms. DISCUSSION: Broncholithiasis is an exceedingly rare cause of chronic cough. Tuberculous and histoplasma necrotizing granulomatous lymphadenitis are the most common causes. Lithoptysis is an uncommon, but a unique symptom of broncholithiasis. Mediastinal abscess is a rare complication as seen in this case. Diagnosis is established by CT imaging and bronchoscopy plays and important role. Depending on disease severity, management options range from observation to bronchoscopic extraction to surgical resection. Caution is advised when bronchoscopic treatment is considered due to the risk of massive bleeding upon manipulation of broncholiths. CONCLUSIONS: Broncholithiasis is a rare complication of mediastinal granulomatous processes that can present with chronic cough, hemoptysis as well as mediastinal abscess. DISCLOSURE: Nothing to declare.