Rhinoscleroma: Our experiences at a tertiary care teaching hospital of Eastern India

Abstract

Background: Rhinoscleroma (RS) is a chronic granulomatous disease due to infection of Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis. It often affects the respiratory mucosa, especially the nasal cavity and sometimes extends lower respiratory tract. RS is more common in certain geographical area than in others, but the pathogenesis and the risk factors of RS are still unclear. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study done between January 2014 and December 2019. The diagnosis of the RS was done on the basis of clinical presentations and histopathological findings. Details of clinical findings, investigations, and treatment were analyzed. Results: There were 13 cases of RS diagnosed after confirmation with histopathological examination. The female to male ratio was 1.6:1 with a mean age of 36 years. The most common clinical presentation was nasal obstruction. All were treated with ciprofloxacin. Relapse occurred in three cases which were confirmed by biopsy. Conclusion: RS is a rare clinical entity in Eastern India. Awareness of the clinical presentations of RS and early diagnosis will reduce the morbidity of this disease.

Keywords

• klebsiella rhinoscleromatis
• nose
• rhinoscleroma
• upper respiratory tract