| Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica |
Multiple nodules, with or without calcification, seen projecting into the airway lumen. The nodules classically affect lower two-thirds of trachea and proximal portions of primary bronchi. Calcifications are much more irregular than those seen in healthy subjects and result in irregular narrowing of tracheal lumen. The nodules spare the posterior membranous wall. Tracheomalacia is not present.
|
Multiple smooth, raised, white, osteocartilaginous nodules typically distributed over the anterolateral walls. These nodules are typically hard.
|
| Relapsing polychondritis |
The larynx and upper trachea are affected most frequently. Cartilaginous destruction of ear, nose, peripheral joints or larynx may also be seen. Calcification and thickening of the cartilaginous portions of the trachea is seen. Spares the posterior membranous portion of trachea; however, unlike TPO the inner wall remains smooth. Dynamic imaging during expiration may demonstrate airway collapse (tracheomalacia).
|
|
| Tracheobronchial amyloidosis |
May occur in three forms: diffuse interstitial deposits, single or multiple pulmonary nodules, and, most commonly, submucosal tracheobronchial deposits. Tracheobronchial disease causes nodular and irregular narrowing of the lumen. In some cases of diffuse involvement, there is a significant component of calcification and ossification of lesions. In such cases involvement of posterior wall helps in differentiation. Tracheomalacia is not seen.
|
Multifocal flat plaques of gray-white amyloid material distributed throughout the trachea and bronchial lumina. Less often, a raised, tumor-like mass of amyloid material (amyloid pseudotumor) may be seen.
|
| Normal age related calcification |
In normal cartilage calcification, no soft tissue is seen internal to it. Unlike TPO, the inner surface is relatively smooth.
|
|
