Decreased lung perfusion due to broncholithiasis.
Two patients each with symptoms of an endobronchial lesion showed decreased unilateral lung perfusion upon radionuclide imaging. Chest films were normal except for hilar lymph node calcifications. Bronchography and tomography revealed compression and obstruction of the bronchial tree by the calcified lymph nodes, accounting for the patients' symptoms. Incomplete bronchial obstruction or collateral air drift accounted for the normal appearance of the lungs on the PA chest films.
D000328:Adult; D001982:Bronchial Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002137:Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008198:Lymph Nodes; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging