Nontuberculous pulmonary calcification

We have presented fourteen children with clearly negative tuberculin tests. One child had Boeck's sarcoid involving the lungs without cough. Acid-fast bacilli were demonstrated by direct smear in the secretion aspirated through the bronchoscope in this one patient only. On the basis of this as well as other experiences, we regard bronchoscopic methods of study in questionable cases of tuberculosis as very valuable. All remaining thirteen children with negative tuberculin tests had small but definite calcium deposits in the chest. A thorough clinical study, including bronchoscopy and bacteriologic study of the aspirated secretions, failed to produce any evidence that these children had or had had a tuberculous infection. Eight of these thirteen patients with pulmonary calcification had some change in the mucous membrane at the bifurcation or in the main bronchi. Eight of the thirteen had a history of frequent colds or persistent coughs. Twelve of the thirteen were skin tested for histoplasmin. Six of these twelve gave an immediate reaction to histoplasmin. There were no delayed reactions.