Unusual cause of recalcitrant epistaxis

Abstract

Nosebleeds are among the most familiar presentations to the emergency department as well as otorhinolaryngologic outpatient services. Bleeding from nasal septal branches of the anterior ethmoid artery (AEA) is common and can be effectively controlled endoscopically. However, the bleeding from a pseudoaneurysm involving the nasal septal branches of AEA is extremely rare and can be troublesome to control using endoscopic methods. We report an adult patient presenting with profuse nasal bleeding postroad traffic accident due to the formation of AEA septal branch pseudoaneurysm. The patient required repeated nasal packing, and the diagnosis was revealed using digital subtraction angiography. Since profuse active bleeding precluded endoscopic visualisation, an external approach had to be adopted to ligate the AEA to control the bleeding. We discuss the management options and nuances for this rare cause of the troublesome nasal bleeding.

Keywords: ear; interventional radiology; nose and throat; otolaryngology / ENT; trauma.