Diffuse pulmonary calcinosis without calcium metabolism abnormalities in a renal transplant recipient

Abstract

Eighteen years after an uneventful renal transplantation, the chest radiograph of an asymptomatic 50 year old man showed diffuse bilateral infiltrations, predominately at the right apex. Computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a diffuse alveolar pattern, the alveoli being filled with a very dense material, with some tracheal calcifications. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis was normal, but bronchial and transbronchial biopsies revealed calcium deposits in the bronchial mucosa and in the alveolar septa. The diagnosis of diffuse pulmonary calcinosis was established, despite normal blood calcium, phosphorus and magnesium levels, based upon computed tomography scan and pathological findings at fibreoptic bronchoscopy, without the need for an open lung biopsy.