Tracheobronchial Papillomatosis

Tracheobronchial papillomatosis is an uncommon (5%–10%) complication of laryngeal papillomas. Extension to the lung can be seen in less than 2% of cases. There is a bimodal age distribution, with most cases presenting early in life with another peak in the fourth decade. Bronchopulmonary manifestations occur about 10 years after the diagnosis of laryngeal papillomas.

Tracheobronchial papillomatosis is thought to result from aerial dissemination of laryngeal disease. Dissemination to the lower airways may result in solid or thin-walled cavitary pulmonary nodules. Endobronchial growth can result in saccular bronchiectasis and mucus plugging.

References

• Cantin L, Bankier AA, Eisenberg RL. Multiple cystlike lung lesions in the adult. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2010 Jan;194(1):W1-W11.
• Ravin CE, Bergin D, Bisset GS 3rd, Fine SA, Guo AC, Helms CA, Hollingsworth CL, Kirk SR, Ravenel JG. Image interpretation session: 2000. Radiographics. 2001 Jan-Feb;21(1):267-87.