Tracheopathia osteoplastica (TPO) is a rare disorder of the tracheobronchial tree that may be mistaken for asthma.
Tracheopathia osteoplastica shows:
(1) multiple submucosal osseous and cartilaginous nodules in the tracheobronchial wall
(2) absence of these nodules in the posterior membranous portion
Symptoms may include:
(1) chronic cough
(2) dyspnea
(3) hemoptysis
(4) hoarseness
(5) wheezing
Some patients may have a familial pattern.
Complications:
(1) recurrent pneumonia
(2) persistent airway obstruction
It should be suspected in a patient diagnosed with asthma who fails to respond to appropriate therapy.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Pulmonology, Immunology/Rheumatology
