Diagnosis and Treatment Process of Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica with Concurrent Chronic Eosinophilic...

Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica (TBPO) is a rare disease with a benign period affecting the bronchial system. It is characterized by the presence of numerous osseous submucosal nodules or cartilaginous protruding into the tracheobronchial lumen. These wounds are diagnosed incidentally during bronchoscopy. We reported the stages of diagnosis and treatment of a 46-year-old patient with TBPO and concurrent chronic eosinophilic pneumonia.

A 46-year-old non-smoking Afghan male exposed to adhesives and chemicals in Iran for more than 25 years was admitted to a pulmonary ward with symptoms of exertional dyspnea, dry coughing, occasional nocturnal sweating for 6 years, tachycardia, hypoxia, and generalized wheezing during expiration. A symbicort inhaler and Montelukast pills were prescribed for him with the probable diagnosis of asthma. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was performed on the patient and the results showed non-significant multiple lymph nodes with maximum diameters (SAD = 7 mm). HRCT also showed that the patient had protuberances on the trachea surface and thus underwent bronchoscopy for further examination. The results indicated numerous protuberances of white cartilage from the proximal part of the trachea to the distal part without the involvement of the posterior membrane. The biopsy result confirmed TBPO. Prednisolone was prescribed for the patient to treat the chronic eosinophilic pneumonia. However, we had to continue the daily dose of 5mg prednisolone due to the recurrence of the symptoms.

The lack of response to a bronchodilator in a patient suspicious to asthma must make us think about other causes of respiratory wheezing such as TBPO.