[The diagnostic value of flexible bronchoscopy in tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica].

Objective: To enhance the knowledge of tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO), and to describe the value of flexible bronchoscopic diagnosis and treatment for the disease.

Methods: The clinical data, bronchoscopic findings, histological results and the methods and effect of bronchoscopic treatment in 10 patients with TO admitted to Xiangya Hospital between June 2006 and July 2007 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: There were 8 males and 2 females (mean age 46 +/- 16, range 33-76 years). The bronchoscopic appearance of TO was multiple whitish, hard nodules projecting into the tracheal lumen (mostly from the anterior and less from the lateral walls). The lesions were found most frequently in the trachea and major bronchi, and lobar and segmental bronchi were involved less frequently. Nodules were restricted to the anterolateral walls in 7 cases. The distribution of the lesions was diffuse in 5, confluent in 2 and scattered in 3 cases. Six patients received bronchoscopic management, including radiofrequency treatment for 2 patients and argon ion laser treatment for the other 4. The lesions in the airways were reduced and clinical symptoms improved to some extent after treatment. No severe complications occurred during and after the procedures.

Conclusions: The diagnosis of TO can be easily underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Flexible bronchoscopy with histological examination is the main method for the diagnosis of TO. Radiofrequency and argon ion laser treatment are safe and effective.