Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica

Definition

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica is a rare disorder of unknown cause, seen with a frequency of 0.4 percent at bronchoscopy, affecting the large airways. It is characterised by the development of multiple osseous and cartilaginous submucosal nodules connected to tracheal cartilage. The abnormality spares the posterior tracheal membranous wall. In spite of marked radiographic changes, patients are only rarely symptomatic since severe airway obstruction is unusual. Linear tracheoplasty may be required in patients with symptomatic airway obstruction.

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