[Tracheal scleroma and rhinoscleroma: a case report]

Scleroma is a specific granlomatous disease caused by an enterobacteria of the Klebsiella family (Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis), localized electively in the upper airways, particularly the nasal fossae, leading to the term "rhinoscleroma". Tracheal involvement is exceptional. The disease progresses slowly, leaving mutilating and stenosing scar tissue. Medical treatment using antibiotics and corticosteroids is the basic approach although surgical treatment may be needed for fibrosclerosis unresponsive to medical treatment. We report a case of rhinoscleroma which extended to the trachea. In light of this case, we examine the demographic, diagnostic, therapeutic and evolutive aspects of this disease.