[Subglottal stenosis as the first symptom of Wegener's granulomatosis].

A 51-year-old woman presented with a sore throat, hoarseness and difficulty in swallowing. On physical examination she was found to have stridor. Laryngoscopy revealed a subglottal stenosis. Infection was thought to be the cause but this was not confirmed by sputum or laryngeal cultures. Because of the clinical course and the presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic proteinase-3 antibodies, Wegener's granulomatosis was diagnosed. Immunosuppressive therapy led to improvement. At 4-year follow-up the patient had scleritis but no ENT problems. Wegener's granulomatosis should always be considered in a patient with a subglottal stenosis; it can be the first symptom of this disease.