Classic Bronchoscopic Nodularity Sparing the Posterior Wall: A Case of Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TPO) is a rare, benign disorder of the large airways, characterized by multiple submucosal osteocartilaginous nodules, typically sparing the posterior membranous wall. This report describes the case of an 84-year-old female with exertional dyspnea and a diagnosis of TPO confirmed through classic bronchoscopic findings, corroborated by CT imaging and normal pulmonary function tests (PFTs). The report assesses the current understanding of TPO pathophysiology, including recent insights into its molecular mechanisms, the spectrum of conditions that can mimic TPO, common diagnostic challenges and approaches utilizing imaging and bronchoscopy, and management strategies, including rare but potentially serious complications.