Endobronchial chondroid hamartoma presenting as recurrent obstructive pneumonia: a case report

Abstract

Background
Endobronchial hamartoma is a rare benign tumor of the tracheobronchial tree, accounting for approximately 10% of pulmonary hamartomas. Despite its benign nature, it may lead to significant clinical manifestations due to airway obstruction, including recurrent pneumonia, cough, dyspnea, and hemoptysis. Early recognition is essential to prevent repeated infections and irreversible lung damage.


Case presentation
We report the case of a 51-year-old male with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and peptic ulcer disease who presented with fever, productive cough, dyspnea, and myalgia. Imaging revealed right middle lobe consolidation with an 8 mm calcified endobronchial lesion and tree-in-bud nodularity. The patient had a two-year history of recurrent obstructive pneumonia. Flexible bronchoscopy demonstrated a pedunculated mass obstructing the medial segment of the right middle lobe bronchus, with purulent secretions distally. Histopathological examination confirmed endobronchial chondroid hamartoma with chronic nonspecific bronchitis and no evidence of malignancy. The lesion was successfully removed bronchoscopically using argon plasma coagulation followed by cryoextraction, with favorable clinical outcome.


Conclusion
Endobronchial hamartoma, although uncommon, should be considered in patients with recurrent localized pneumonia. Bronchoscopic intervention, including argon plasma coagulation and cryotherapy, offers a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment option with excellent outcomes.