Diagnosis of tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica by computed tomography

Objective: To study the CT features and enhance the knowledge of tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO). Methods: The CT appearances in 6 patients with pathologically proved TO were analyzed retrospectively. Results: CT of the chest revealed scattered and multiple mural nodules protruding into the tracheobronchial lumen. Punctate calcification occurred within these nodules. The nodular lesions usually involved the anterior and lateral walls of the trachea and major bronchi. These nodules generally ranged from 2 to 4 mm in diameter. The nodular lesions were seen on lobar bronchi in two cases. Diffuse irregular mural thickening of the trachea and deformed tracheal cartilage rings were observed in two cases. Conclusion: CT demonstration of multiple mural nodules with calcification in the tracheobronchial tree is a characteristic finding for TO