TRACHEOBRONCHOPATHIA OSTEOCHONDROPLASTICA

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a rare and usually benign disorder affecting the trachea and occasionally the bronchi. A case of TO was diagnosed in a 61 year old male farmer presenting with pulmonary infections and prolonged productive cough. A bronchoscopy revealed multiple nodular excrescences aong the anterolateral wall of the trachea and main bronchi. CT scans showed moderate narrowing and distortion of the trachea. Biopsies revealed squamous metaplasia, and calcification and ossification in the epithelial surface. The literature on the subject is reviewed here. The severity of TO ranges from no symptoms to severe dyspnea, hemoptysis or pneumonitis. The etiology and pathogenesis is unknown. Treatment is seldom necessary. Awareness of the condition as a differential diagnosis to neoplasms is important to avoid unnecessary surgery or chemotherapy.