Bronchial hamartoma

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 3 Feb 2021

A bronchial hamartoma (alternative plural: hamartomata) falls under the same spectrum of pathology as a pulmonary hamartoma (except for their location), but a hamartoma in a bronchial location is less common than a peripheral pulmonary location. Bronchial hamartoma accounts for only around 1.4-10% of all intrathoracic hamartomas. 

The mean age of patients at presentation ranges between the 6th to 7th decades. There may be a slight male predominance.

As with other hamartomas, bronchial hamartomas are comprised of mature cartilage and fat elements, as well as muscle and bone elements also present in some cases.

Bronchial hamartomas typically contain fat (HU of -40 to -120), calcification (HU of >200), or a combination of both.

There may be associated distal lung collapse or airway dilatation.

Although bronchial hamartomas are benign they can be associated with bronchial obstruction and bleeding in some cases. Endoscopic treatment with rigid bronchoscopy and lasers provides an excellent outcome and can be offered in patients with lesions causing obstruction.

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