Abstract
A 93-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of hemoptysis. Bronchoscopy revealed a broncholith at the truncus intermedius. After removal of the broncholith using the bronchoscope, she had no symptoms for several months. However, she was readmitted after suffering repeatedly from refractory pneumonia and hemoptysis. Repeat bronchoscopic examination revealed a broncholith obstructing the truncus intermedius. Three stones, which were removed by bronchoscopy, were analyzed and were shown to be 65% calcium phosphate and 35% calcium carbonate. Bronchoscopy is very useful for the diagnosis of broncholithiasis and bronchoscopic removal of broncholith should be indicated regardless of the age of the patient when it is directly visible endoscopically and mobile.
