Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica as an unusual cause of chronic cough

Abstract

A cough that persists for more than 8 weeks is defined as a chronic cough. In routine practice, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and postnasal drip are the most common causes of chronic cough. A 58-year-old non-smoking male patient with no known comorbidities presented with a 3-month history of non-productive cough. Clinically, the respiratory system examination was normal, and radiological evaluation showed tracheal nodularity on computed tomography scan. He was then subjected to bronchoscopy, which showed multiple white-colored nodules involving the anterolateral wall of the tracheobronchial tree with the sparing of the posterior membranous wall. The bronchoscopic picture was the characteristic of Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TBOP) and was later confirmed on histopathological examination of the nodules. TBOP presenting as chronic cough is very rare. It is a rare benign disease of the tracheobronchial tree and does not warrant any active intervention in the majority of patients.

Keywords: Bronchoscopy; Chronic cough; Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica.

Fig. 1

CT scan of the thorax showing tracheal nodularity involving anterolateral tracheal wall. CT, computed tomography.

Fig. 2

FOB showed numerous greyish-white sessile nodules protruding into the trachea with sparing of posterior wall. FOB, fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

Fig. 3

Involvement of right and left main bronchi.

Fig. 4

Endobronchial biopsy showing pseudostratified columnar lining. Sub epithelium shows presence of osseocartilaginous nodules (40x).