Recurrent laryngotracheal stenosis associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. rhinoscleromatis

Abstract

Introduction: Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis (KR) is an enterobacterium associated with the formation of chronic granulomatosis. When this microorganism affects the respiratory tract, it is called scleroma, the nasal cavity is the main one affected; additionally, can involve nasopharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi. Clinical case: female patient with a history of chronic laryngotracheitis, with diagnosis of tracheal stenosis and isolation in cultures of multisensitive Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp rhinoscleromatis, without nasosinusal or extralaryngeal involvement. Discussion: scleroma can affect the entire respiratory tract, so associated risk factors should be taken into account, mainly overcrowding, immunosuppression, and female sex, in whom it is more common. The mainstay of treatment is medical, based on antibiotics; additionally, surgical management is reserved for sclerotic stage, when there is no inflammatory phenomenon. Conclusion: scleroma is a rare pathology, with a chronic evolution, with involvement mainly in the nasal cavity, which requires a high diagnostic suspicion for its timely management.