ABSTRACT
Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TPO) is an uncommon benign disease of unknown
etiology characterized by multiple cartilaginous or bony submucosal nodules, which
project into the tracheobronchial lumen. The nodules originate in the airway cartilages
and thus typically spare the posterior membranous wall of the airways. The disorder
is more common in men and the diagnosis is usually made in the fourth through sixth
decades of life. There is no relationship to smoking or other systemic disorders.
The disease is manifested by chronic cough and wheezing, which frequently lead to
the mistaken diagnosis of asthma. Other pulmonary symptoms include dyspnea and hemoptysis.
One of the complications is the increased incidence of recurrent respiratory infections.
The pulmonary symptoms and complications are the consequence of narrowing and thickening
of the airway walls. Even though roentgenologic imaging studies may indicate the diagnosis,
bronchoscopy is the most definitive diagnostic test. The bronchoscopic appearance
alone is diagnostic of the disease, and biopsy of the airway lesions is seldom, if
ever, required. Although there is no specific therapy for this disorder, management
of tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica includes bronchodilators, prompt treatment
of pulmonary infections, and bronchoscopic dilatation when indicated.
KEYWORD
Amyloidosis - airway disease - airway cartilage - bronchoscopy - obstructive airway
disease - tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica - tracheopathia osteoplastica
