Broncholithiasis with aorto-tracheal fistula.

Broncholithiasis, although recognized in antiquity by Aristotle and well known to accompany the mediastinal calcifications of tuberculosis and histoplasmosis frequently seen in our society, is rarely mentioned in recent medical literature. Failure of early recognition of this lesion in the case presented contributed to a long and exasperating course and a dramatic and disastrous result. It is hoped that the presentation of a unique case of broncholithiasis with and aorta-tracheal fistula will serve to rekindle interest in and understanding of this neglected entity and preclude similar cases in the future.