Rhinoscleroma in a 9-year old boy: Rare case report

Abstract

Rhinoscleroma is a rare benign granulomatous disease in children, the pathogen of which is Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis. Rhinoscleroma almost always affects the respiratory tract, the nasal cavities are the most common site, but can also be found over the entire extent of the respiratory tree, clinically the patient often presents with nasal obstruction with other non-specific signs, Histology is the basis of the diagnosis of rhinoscleroma. Early and appropriate medical treatment improves the prognosis and prevents progression to disabling sequelae. We present the case of a 9-year-old child who presented to the pediatric emergency department with a 2-month history of nasal obstruction unresponsive to medical treatment (Oxymetazoline). This was accompanied by mild nasal swelling and intermittent episodes of epistaxis. A CT scan of the paranasal sinuses was performed, ruling out a malignant tumor in the nasal cavity due to the absence of bone lysis. A nasal cavity biopsy with histopathological examination was conducted, confirming the diagnosis of rhinoscleroma. This was supported by the presence of an infiltrate rich in histiocytes and plasma cells, along with the identification of Russell bodies during PAS (Periodic Acid Schiff) staining. The patient underwent a medical treatment regimen involving a sulfamide-based antibiotic therapy (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) for 8 weeks, along with a short-term corticosteroid therapy at a dose of 1 mg/kg/24 hours. At the first follow-up after 1 month, there was a noticeable reduction in nasal swelling and an improvement in nasal obstruction. A second follow-up 3 months later showed favorable results, with complete disappearance of both the swelling and nasal obstruction. Considering the possibility of recurrence, an annual follow-up was decided upon.