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Rhinoscleroma of the lower respiratory tract
Author(s) -
Holinger Paul H.,
Gelman Howard K.,
Wolfe Charles K.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-197701000-00001
Subject(s) - rhinoscleroma , respiratory tract , medicine , respiratory tract infections , respiratory system , dermatology
Rhinoscleroma is a chronic granulomatous disease of the respiratory tract endemic to Eastern Europe and Central America which is being recognized with increasing frequency in other countries, including the United States. It was initially described as a lesion of the nose and upper respiratory tract, but is now known to involve the larynx, trachea and bronchi as well to cause slowly progressive asphyxia. Eleven cases of rhinoscleroma with varying degrees of involvement of the lower respiratory tract (larynx, trachea and bronchi) are presented. Present day treatment is both medical, consisting primarily of streptomycin and tetracycline, and endoscopic dilatation. Prolonged medication with careful dose control is necessary. Lower respiratory tract involvement should be considered in patients with chronic destructive granulomatous nasal pathology. This should be especially emphasized if they have an Eastern European or Central American background, or have travelled in these areas in which rhinoscleroma is endemic.