[Membranous laryngotracheobronchitis].

Four cases of membranous laryngotracheobronchitis (MLTB) are presented. This entity is defined as an inflammation of larynx, trachea and bronchi, with mucopurulent membranes adhered to subglottic space wall. Radiological study shows irregularity of the proximal tracheal mucosa as well as adhered membranes resembling foreign bodies. Two out of the four children suffered from measles and one had staphylococcal pleuropneumonia. Tracheal aspirate obtained by laryngoscopy yielded S. aureus in two cases, and beta-lactamase positive H. influenzae in another. All patients required nasotracheal intubation and antibiotherapy. Characteristics of MLTB are discussed, pointing out its difference from viral laryngotracheobronchitis. Possibility of MLTB being initially a viral process undergoing bacterial superinfection later on is analyzed.