Spontaneous nasal septal haematoma and abscess: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous nasal septal haematoma or abscess is a rare condition that can result in serious infective and cosmetic complications. Methodology: We present a case of a delayed diagnosis of a spontaneous nasal septal haematoma in a healthy 53-year old male, as well as a comprehensive review of the literature on spontaneous nasal septal haematoma and abscess. Results: Spontaneous nasal haematoma and abscess are rare entities with only 2 previous reports of spontaneous nasal septal abscess in immunocompetent adults and one paper reporting spontaneous nasal septal haematoma in a Nigerian population. Conclusions: Nasal septal haematoma can occur spontaneously in healthy individuals with no predisposing factors or trauma. Prompt recognition and treatment is paramount to avoid potentially serious complications.

Keywords

• nasal septum
• nose
• nose deformities
• acquired