[Acute group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus membranous laryngotracheobronchitis in an adult].

OBJECTIVE

To describe the first case of a group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus laryngotracheobronchitis as well as the other possible etiologies in a case of acute dyspnea.

METHODS

We report the case of a 46-year-old woman with a doubtful vaccination status who presented clinical features of croup (laryngotracheobronchitis). She developed respiratory distress and required endotracheal intubation.

RESULTS

The endoscopy demonstrated a great deal of crust and pseudomembrane detachment. Bacterial culture grew group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Progression was good with antibiotics and corticosteroid treatment.

CONCLUSION

Bacterial acute pseudomembranous croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) is rare. We must search for the most frequent diagnoses such as diphtheria and epiglottitis. This is the first case to be reported in the literature.