Diffuse Calcification of the Airways

Abstract

Airway calcification is usually restricted to the cartilaginous conducting portion of the bronchial tree. Alternatively, calcification of the alveoli is a relatively common consequence of calcium and phosphate imbalance. We wish to report an unusual case in which diffuse calcification of the entire bronchial tree, absent alveolar calcification, was identified in a patient with renal dysfunction. Pathologists should not exclude metastatic calcification when considering the etiology of bronchial calcification.