Diffuse calcification of the airways.
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.
Wright
J
J
Department of Pathology, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. jlwright@interchange.ubc.ca
Jones
E
E
D000328:Adult; D001982:Bronchial Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000473:pathology*; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D010710:Phosphates / Q000097:blood
D010710:Phosphates; D002118:Calcium