Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica: Case report of a rare cause for a common symptom

Abstract

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica is a rare disease which is characterised by the presence of osseous and/or cartilaginous submucosal nodules projecting into the anterior and lateral walls of the airways. We present the case of a 56-year-old male presenting with chronic cough, dyspnoea and haemoptysis. An initial diagnosis of tuberculosis was kept in mind considering the endemicity of the disease. A fibre optic bronchoscopy, however helped in clinching the diagnosis. As there are no guidelines for the treatment, conservative treatment with inhaled steroids,bronchodilators, antibiotics, and avoidance of the airwayirritants, is sufficient for the patient. On follow up after 2 months patient is doing fine with symptomatic improvement.