Retrospective study of the rhinoscleroma about 14 cases in ENT departments of university hospitals (Côte d’Ivoire)

SummaryPurpose of studyTo report the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of rhinoscleroma in ENT departments of university hospitals (Côte d’Ivoire).Material and methodRetrospective study of rhinoscleroma conducted in the ENT and head and neck surgery departments in Côte d’Ivoire from January 1980 to December 2008 including the cases of confirmed rhinoscleroma and the treated cases.ResultsFourteen cases of rhinoscleroma were found in 28 years. The early manifestations were not specific enough so the patients were seen with clinical status with obvious disorders or physical discomfort. Treatment was medical and surgical. Medical therapy was based on streptomycin, thiopenicol or ciprofloxacin administration. Surgery consisted in removing the fibrous adhesions to correct the functional and aesthetic disorders.ConclusionRhinoscleroma has become a more and more rare disease because of the sensitivity to the new molecules. Diagnosis can be difficult and delayed because of its clinical polymorphism.