Tracheopathia osteoplastica: clinical, radiologic, and pathological correlations

The clinical, radiologic, and pathological features of tracheopathia osteoplastica are reviewed and three new cases are reported. Tracheopathia osteoplastica is usually not diagnosed until autopsy. However, it may be a surprise finding to the endoscopist and occasionally it may produce signs and symptoms of upper airway obstruction and enter into the differential diagnosis of a tumor of the trachea. The chest radiograph may permit the correct clinical diagnosis to be made. The pathological diagnosis is easy with adequate tissue. Because tracheopathia is a lesion predominantly of old age with little associated morbidity or mortality, the correct clinical diagnosis will prevent unnecessary operation.