A case of tracheobronchopathia ostochondorplastica

Key message Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a disorder caused by the accumulation of calcium phosphate in the submucosa of large airways. Benign proliferation of bone and cartilage lead to the narrowing of airways. Bronchoscopy is the diagnostic test for TO. It shows characteristic smooth nodules emerging from tracheal rings that never involves the posterior membranous wall. We present an interesting case of a 55 year old man who presented with history of weight loss, cough and right sided chest pain. CT showed right upper lobe cavity. He was evaluated with possibility of TB, malignancy or vasculitis. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy was done that showed a ‘stony cave’ trachea. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis to be ‘Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO)’. He was treated with antibiotics for his infection with total resolution of chest sahdows. He is managed conservatively for his TO.