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Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica (TPO)

Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica (TPO) is a rare, benign disorder characterized by the presence of cartilaginous and/or bony nodules projecting into the trachea and major bronchi, sparing the posterior wall

Prevalence

Unknown

N/A

US Estimated

N/A

Europe Estimated

Age of Onset

Adults

ICD-10

J98.0

Inheritance

This condition does not appear to have a clear pattern of inheritance.

5 Facts you should know

FACT

TPO is a rare, benign disorder of the large airways, characterized by submucosal ossified and/or cartilaginous nodules projecting into the trachea and proximal bronchi—typically sparing the posterior membrano

FACT

Most patients are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, but chronic cough, wheezing, hemoptysis, or recurrent respiratory infections can occur; misdiagnosis as asthma or chronic bronchitis is common

FACT

CT imaging typically shows multiple calcified nodules along the anterior and lateral walls of the trachea and main bronchi, with characteristic sparing of the posterior tracheal wall

FACT

Bronchoscopy is diagnostic, revealing firm, nodular protrusions into the airway lumen with preserved mucosa; biopsy may be performed to confirm histology and rule out malignancy

FACT

No specific treatment is required for asymptomatic cases, but symptomatic patients may benefit from airway clearance strategies or, in rare cases, bronchoscopic debulking or stenting

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