EN
Background: Rhinoscleroma is a rare disease caused by Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis infection. In its course it forms hard inflammatory infiltrates in the nose, throat, trachea and bronchi. These changes may lead to a critical airway stenosis resulting in respiratory failure. Case report: A 77 year old female was admitted to our department because of acute laryngeal dyspnea. A histological and serological investigation confirmed a chronic Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis infection. Conclusion: Rhinoscleroma may cause acute laryngeal dyspnea. It should be suspected especially in patients with atrophic rhinitis, who present hard inflammatory infiltrates in the upper respiratory tract.