A case of lung cancer with specific calcification]

A 67-year-old male was admitted for detailed investigation of an abnormal chest roentgenogram showing a tumor shadow about 3 cm in diameter in the left S1+2. The shadow was surrounded by minute granular and striate shadows. Small cell carcinoma of the lung was diagnosed and chemotherapy was commenced, but without effect. Hypercalcemia and superior vena caval syndrome followed. Autopsy indicated highly specific calcinosis present in the left upper lobe peripheral to the primary disease. This calcinosis was observed subepithelially in bronchi and bronchioles, in the tunica intima of the veins, and in the alveolar septa. It could not be detected in the tumor or arterial or lymphatic systems. The calcinosis had been present prior to the development of hypercalcemia, and the density of the calcinosis was greatest close to the tumor, gradually decreasing with increased distance from the tumor. The calcinosis appeared to have been caused by some substance, and to have been accelerated by venous congestion, resulting in its unique distribution.