RHINOSCLEROMA AS A DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF MUCORMYCOSIS: A CASE REPORT

Layseca-Ortiz J.C.; Combe-Fernandez J.M.; Vasquez-Leon A.G.; Mosqueira-Sanchez J.R. · Revista de la Facultad de Medicina Humana (2025) · DOI: 10.25176/rfmh.v2025i1.6436

Resumen

Introduction: Rhinoscleroma is a chronic granulomatous disease, rare in our country, but endemic in some areas around the world such as North Africa, Middle East and Central America. It is most caused by Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis, mainly affecting the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. The clinical presentation primarily involves the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms such as fetid rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, nasal deformity, and destruction of nasal cartilage occur months after the infection and depend on the stage of the disease. The diagnosis is based on histopathological features, with the presence of Mikulicz cells. Antibiotics are the cornerstone of treatment, using them for a prolonged period: 2 to 3 months. In cases of airway obstruction, surgical intervention would be required. We present the case of a 60-year-old woman with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension, who arrives at the hospital with a pathological anatomy report showing thin and septate hyphae, suggesting a mucormycosis infection. A subsequent biopsy performed at the hospital ruled out mucormycosis and confirmed the diagnosis of rhinoscleroma.

Instituciones: Universidad Ricardo Palma