Osteochondroplastic tracheobronchopathy: Four case reports

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Rare Diseases
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Osteochondroplastic tracheobronchopathy (OT) is a rare, benign, chronic airway disease of unknown cause.
• It typically affects middle-aged adults, with a higher prevalence in men.
• Clinical manifestations are often non-specific, mimicking other respiratory or pharyngeal conditions.

Observation:

• Bronchoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing OT, showing characteristic "cobblestone," "rock garden," "mountainscape," or "stalactite cave" appearances.
• Computed axial tomography (CT) of the chest aids in preliminary diagnosis.
• Case series on OT are scarce, particularly in regions like Peru, necessitating reliance on international literature.

Findings:

• Analysis of four patients (3 male, 1 female) revealed chronic cough, dyspnea, and dysphonia as primary symptoms.
• Diagnosis was confirmed via bronchoscopy and histopathological examination.
• Treatment involved symptomatic medication, with one case utilizing cryosurgery and argon plasma coagulation.

Implications:

• The rarity and non-specific symptoms of OT present diagnostic challenges.
• Accurate diagnosis relies on a combination of advanced imaging and endoscopic procedures.
• Further research is needed to establish standardized and effective treatment protocols for this condition.