DEFINITION
Tracheobronchopathis osteochondroplastica (TBO) is a rare disease with unknown etiology characterized multiple submucosal osteocartilaginous nodules in central airway walls (trachea and proximal bronchi).
multiple nodules protrude into lumen of the airways with narrowing it
CLINICAL FINDING
– Male, 50s
– Dyspnea, hoarseness, cough, hemoptysis, recurrent lung infection
IMAGING
CT
– Multiple mural nodules with or without calcification
– Involvement of anterolateral tracheal and proximal bronchial walls
– Sparing posterior membranous trachea
– Postobstructive atelectasis/consolidation
Differential diagnosis
– Tracheobronchial amyloidosis : involving posterior wall of trachea
– Relapsing polychondritis : anterolateral tracheal wall thickening with sparing posterior membranous trachea, but its lumen is smooth
TREATMENT
– Endoscopic/surgical resection or stent placement for obstructing lesions
