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Objective: To determine histopathological changes in nasal mucosa associated with duration of nasal packing with Merocel tampons., Methods: This study included 24 healthy rabbits, 6 rabbits per group. In group A, no tampon was applied. In group B, Merocel nasal tampons were applied and removed after 24 hours. In group C, the tampons were removed after 48 hours. In group D, the tampons were removed after 5 days. Specimens were obtained from the septum of each rabbit, including cartilage. Histopathological examination was performed., Results: Significant differences were observed in terms of inflammatory infiltration and loss of cilia between groups A and B. Significant differences were also observed in terms of inflammatory infiltration, haematoma, cilia loss, epithelium dysplasia and cartilage degeneration between groups B and C. There were significant differences in terms of cilia loss, epithelium dysplasia and subepithelial fibrosis between groups C and D. Cartilage degeneration was mild in one animal in group B and in two animals in group C, and was moderate in four animals in group C., Conclusion: It is recommended that Merocel nasal tampons are removed within 48 hours to preserve nasal mucosal function. Keeping the pack longer may cause cartilage degeneration and other complications.

Background: Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia is an autosomal dominant condition, characterised by mucocutaneous telangiectasia, aneurysm and arteriovenous malformations. Thalidomide has been used as a therapeutic strategy for refractory epistaxis in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia patients. This review set out to examine the evidence for using thalidomide in the management of refractory epistaxis in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia patients., Methods: A systematic search of the available literature was performed using Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and NHS Evidence databases, from inception to December 2017. The search terms used included: hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, epistaxis, haemorrhage and thalidomide., Results: All studies using thalidomide therapy showed a reduction in the frequency and duration of epistaxis, as early as four weeks post-therapy. In addition, thalidomide therapy was shown to increase median haemoglobin levels and reduce blood transfusion dependence., Conclusion: Current available evidence suggests that low-dose thalidomide is effective in transiently reducing epistaxis frequency and duration. Further studies are required to establish a treatment regimen to prevent side effects.

Background: The relationship between hypertension and epistaxis is controversial and poorly understood. The present research investigated atherosclerosis as a potential risk factor in hypertensive patients with epistaxis., Methods: A prospective study of 141 hypertensive patients with epistaxis was conducted. The laboratory tests included full blood count, lipid profile and coagulation profile. All patients underwent funduscopic examination of the eye and were classified in terms of four retinopathy grades., Results: There were strong positive correlations between the number of nosebleeds and retinopathy grade and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. There were weak correlations between the number of nosebleeds and blood pressure readings and triglycerides levels. Patients with grade III retinopathy, suggesting atherosclerosis, suffered from more frequent nosebleeds than other patients., Conclusion: Atherosclerosis is one of the potential risk factors in hypertensive patients with epistaxis. This may have an impact on treatment choices.

Background: Extra-nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a rare but distinct clinical entity, different from juvenile angiofibroma., Methods: This clinical record elucidates the only case of extra-nasopharyngeal angiofibroma arising from the septum in a female child, who presented with epistaxis., Results: The histopathological diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry, and the case was managed surgically with no recurrence., Conclusion: In a female paediatric patient presenting with epistaxis, extra-nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (of the inferior turbinate) is a rare albeit important differential diagnosis, as it challenges the hormonal theory of angiofibroma aetiopathogenesis.

Background: The initial assessment of epistaxis patients commonly includes: first aid measures, observations, focused history taking, and clinical examinations and investigations. This systematic review aimed to identify evidence that informs how the initial assessment of these patients should be conducted., Method: A systematic review of the literature was performed using a standardised methodology and search strategy., Results: Seventeen articles were included. Factors identified were: co-morbidity, intrinsic patient factors, coagulation screening and ice pack use. Hypertension and anticoagulant use were demonstrated to adversely affect outcomes. Coagulation screening is useful in patients on anticoagulant medication. Four studies could not be accessed. Retrospective methodology and insufficient statistical analysis limit several studies., Conclusion: Sustained ambulatory hypertension, anticoagulant therapy and posterior bleeding may be associated with recurrent epistaxis, and should be recorded. Oral ice pack use may decrease severity and can be considered as first aid. Coagulation studies are appropriate for patients with a history of anticoagulant use or bleeding diatheses.

Background: Epistaxis is the most common ENT emergency encountered in the Emergency Department. Most cases can be managed by simple anterior nasal packing. This is usually a safe and very effective option in an emergency situation, requiring minimal expertise and infrastructure. This paper describes a rare instance of a serious complication following anterior nasal packing in a case of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma., Case Report: A 27-year-old man diagnosed with nasopharyngeal angiofibroma presented to the Emergency Department with bilateral epistaxis. The patient was stabilised and anterior nasal packing was performed, which controlled the bleeding. Three hours later, the patient developed complete blindness in both eyes. Aggressive medical management was initiated immediately, but failed to restore the patient's vision., Conclusion: Anterior nasal packing is a simple and minimally invasive procedure practised regularly in an Emergency Department setting. However, it can occasionally lead to serious complications such as blindness. Thus, obtaining informed consent is essential to avoid medico-legal consequences in high-risk cases.

Background: Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma often presents with lateral extensions. In countries with limited resources, selection of a cost-effective and least morbid surgical approach for complete excision is challenging., Methods: Sixty-three patients with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, with lateral extensions, underwent transpalatal, transpalatal-circumaxillary (transpterygopalatine) or transpalatal-circumaxillary-sublabial approaches for resection. Clinico-radiological characteristics, tumour volume and intra-operative bleeding were recorded., Results: The transpalatal approach was suitable for extensions involving medial part of pterygopalatine fossa; transpalatal-circumaxillary for extensions involving complete pterygopalatine fossa, with or without partial infratemporal fossa; and transpalatal-circumaxillary-sublabial for extensions involving complete infratemporal fossa, even cheek or temporal fossa up to zygomatic arch. Haemorrhage was greatest with the transpalatal-circumaxillary-sublabial approach, followed by transpalatal approach and transpalatal-circumaxillary approach (1212, 950 and 777 ml respectively). Tumour size (volume) was greatest with the transpalatal-circumaxillary approach, followed by transpalatal-circumaxillary-sublabial approach and transpalatal approach (40, 34 and 29 mm3). There was recurrence in three cases and residual disease in two cases. Long-term morbidity included small palatal perforation (n = 1), trismus (n = 1) and atrophic rhinitis (n = 2)., Conclusion: These modified techniques, performed with endoscopic assistance under hypotensive anaesthesia, without embolisation, offer a superior option over other open procedures with regard to morbidity and recurrences.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of out-patient neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser photocoagulation surgery for patients with epistaxis., Methods: A retrospective clinical study was conducted. A total of 217 consecutive patients who presented with acute or recurrent epistaxis received neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser photocoagulation treatment in an out-patient setting., Results: At three years, 94 per cent of acute epistaxis patients versus 88 per cent of recurrent epistaxis patients reported no bleeding. The outcome scores at 12 weeks and 3 years after treatment showed no significant differences between the 2 groups (p = 0.207 and p = 0.186). However, there was a significant difference in outcome scores at four weeks after treatment (p = 0.034). The median (and mean ± standard deviation) pain levels experienced during the laser operation (performed in an office setting) were 4.0 (3.75 ± 2.09) in the acute epistaxis group and 4.0 (3.83 ± 2.01) in the recurrent epistaxis group. Neither group had any complications., Conclusion: Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser photocoagulation is desirable in the treatment of both acute and recurrent epistaxis, and has long-lasting efficacy.

Background: There are currently no guidelines in the UK for the specific management of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia related epistaxis. The authors aimed to review the literature and provide an algorithm for the management of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia related epistaxis., Method: The Medline and Embase databases were interrogated on 15 November 2013 using the search items 'hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia' (title), 'epistaxis' (title) and 'treatment' (title and abstract), and limiting the search to articles published in English., Results: A total of 46 publications were identified, comprising 1 systematic review, 2 randomised, controlled trials, 27 case series, 9 case reports, 4 questionnaire studies and 3 in vitro studies., Conclusion: There is a lack of high-level evidence for the use of many of the available treatments for the specific management of epistaxis in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia. Current management should be based on a multidisciplinary team approach involving both a hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia physician and an ENT surgeon, especially when systemic therapy is being considered. The suggested treatment algorithm considers that the severity of epistaxis merits intervention at different levels of the treatment ladder. The patient should be assessed using a reproducible validated assessment tool, for example an epistaxis severity score, to guide treatment. More research is required, particularly in the investigation of topical agents targeting the development and fragility of telangiectasiae in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Background: Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic fungal infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue that most commonly affects the feet and lower limbs. It is rare for this infection to occur on the face, and it is exceptionally rare for it to involve the nose and sinuses. This paper reports a rare case of nasal chromoblastomycosis in a 50-year-old Malaysian male., Case Report: The patient, who was a rubber plantation worker in the southern state of Johor, presented to the ENT clinic with a history of epistaxis. He did not recall any history of injury to the nose. Nasal endoscopy showed a pale yellowish lesion at the inferior edge of the left middle turbinate. Histology revealed that this was a case of chromoblastomycosis., Conclusion: Chromoblastomycosis of the nasal cavity is very rare and can be mistaken for other granulomatous conditions in the nose. It progresses very slowly over many years. Our patient was managed conservatively, as he was not keen on undergoing surgical intervention. Lesion size remained the same at five months' follow up, with no recurrence of epistaxis.

Objective: To introduce pseudoaneurysm of the sphenopalatine artery as the possible aetiology of acute massive epistaxis in patients with a history of orthognathic surgery accompanied by Le Fort I osteotomy., Methods: Case report and literature review., Results: This paper reports a case of acute life-threatening epistaxis following Le Fort I osteotomy. Computed tomography and angiography showed a pseudoaneurysm of the sphenopalatine artery, which was successfully treated by endovascular embolisation., Conclusion: Although a pseudoaneurysm of the sphenopalatine artery following Le Fort I osteotomy is extremely rare, it should be considered as the possible aetiology of acute massive epistaxis in patients with a history of orthognathic surgery accompanied by Le Fort I osteotomy.

Objective: Organised haematoma of the maxillary sinus may be present in chronic renal failure patients, because these patients are at high risk of haemorrhage., Case Reports: We present two cases of organised haematoma of the maxillary sinus in patients with chronic renal failure., Conclusion: A diagnosis of organised haematoma of the maxillary sinus should be considered when a patient with a history of chronic renal failure develops unilateral, recurrent epistaxis and nasal obstruction.

Aim: Fungiform papillomas are benign mucosal neoplasms presenting as a unilateral exophytic mass involving the anterior portion of the nasal septum. In this study, we present an exceptional case of a bilateral fungiform papilloma with a synchronous verrucous carcinoma of the nasal septum., Material and Methods: A case study with a review of the literature concerning malignant changes in fungiform papilloma., Results: The general consensus in most of the literature is that malignant change in fungiform papilloma is exceptional. Our patient is probably the third reported case of verrucous carcinoma of the nasal septum, and the first report of a bilateral fungiform papilloma with a synchronous verrucous carcinoma. The tumour was subjected to complete surgical removal in the first instance. There was no recurrence at follow up seven months after surgery., Conclusion: Although fungiform papillomas are generally not premalignant, occasional malignant transformation may occur. Thus, they must be managed with the utmost cautiousness.

Objective: To provide an update on the ever-increasing role that embolisation plays in the practice of otolaryngology., Method: A literature search was performed during November 2008. The Medline, Embase, PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched. This resulted in 285 papers relevant for review., Conclusion: The role of embolisation has expanded greatly to include the management of refractory epistaxis, pre-operative preparation of vascular tumours, vascular injuries and as an adjunct in skull base surgery.

Objective: To compare Rapid Rhino and Merocel packs for nasal packing after septoplasty, in terms of patient tolerance (both with the pack in place and during removal) and post-operative complications., Materials and Methods: Thirty patients (aged 18-40 years) scheduled for septoplasty were included. Following surgery, one nasal cavity was packed with Rapid Rhino and the other one with Merocel. Patients were asked to record pain levels on a visual analogue score, on both sides, with the packs in situ and during their removal the next day. After pack removal, bleeding was compared on both sides., Results: The mean ± standard deviation pain score for the Rapid Rhino pack in situ (4.17 ± 1.78) was less than that for the Merocel pack (4.73 ± 2.05), but not significantly so (p = 0.314). The mean pain score for Rapid Rhino pack removal (4.13 ± 1.76) was significantly less that that for Merocel (6.90 ± 1.67; p = 0.001). Bleeding after pack removal was significantly less for the Rapid Rhino sides compared with the Merocel sides (p <0.05)., Conclusion: Rapid Rhino nasal packs are less painful and cause less bleeding, compared with Merocel packs, with no side effects. Thus, their use for nasal packing after septal surgery is recommended.

Objective: To raise awareness of nasal malignant melanoma, a rare tumour, and to highlight the difficulty associated with its optimum management., Method: Case report and literature review., Case Report: A 71-year-old, Caucasian man was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in the right nasal cavity, after presenting with right-sided epistaxis. He underwent endoscopic medial maxillectomy; histological analysis confirmed that the resection margins were clear. However, within six months he re-presented with a metastatic deposit of malignant melanoma in his right external auditory canal, for which he underwent right temporal bone resection. There was no evidence of distant metastasis on radiological studies. Unfortunately, within a month the tumour recurred in the right nasopharynx. A multidisciplinary team decision was made to offer the patient palliative chemoradiotherapy., Conclusion: Mucosal malignant melanoma of the nose is very rare, and aural metastasis from this primary site has not previously been reported. Optimum management must involve a multidisciplinary team.

Objective: To propose radiofrequency coblation as a potential treatment modality for mild to moderate epistaxis in patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia., Method: Case reports and review of the world literature concerning coblation and other treatment modalities for epistaxis in patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia., Results: Effective epistaxis control was achieved in four out of five cases of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia. In the fifth case, we struggled to achieve haemostasis due to disease severity., Conclusion: Radiofrequency coblation is a novel technique, which was found to be a safe, effective, quick and well tolerated treatment option for epistaxis management in patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Objectives: To present a case of, and to review the literature concerning, osteoblastoma of the nasal cavity, and to demonstrate the importance of considering this rare entity when assessing patients presenting with a nasal septum lesion., Case Report: Benign osteoblastoma is a rare tumour, constituting 1 per cent of all bone tumours. Most cases occur in the long bones. Osteoblastoma involving the nasal cavity is rare, with only 10 reported cases in the English-language literature. Most nasal cavity cases originate from the ethmoid sinus and spread to involve the nasal cavity. There are only four reported cases of osteoblastoma originating from the bones of the nasal cavity. We report a case of osteoblastoma originating from the bony nasal septum in a 45-year-old man with a history of recurrent, right-sided epistaxis and nasal obstruction., Conclusion: This is the second report in the English-language literature of osteoblastoma originating from the bony nasal septum.

Objective: We report a rare case of epistaxis resulting from a ruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm, and present a successful treatment method., Case Report: A 72-year-old woman was admitted following recurrent massive epistaxis. There was no history of trauma or surgery. Radiographic imaging demonstrated a large internal carotid artery aneurysm. An attempt was made to occlude the aneurysm with endovascular coils. Despite this, the patient went on to have further epistaxis. Endovascular ablation of the feeding internal carotid artery led to complete resolution., Conclusion: This case demonstrates that spontaneous epistaxis from intra-cavernous carotid artery aneurysms can be managed using endovascular techniques. To our knowledge, we report the first use of interventional radiological techniques to assess the collateral circulation to the brain and subsequently undertake endovascular ablation of the internal carotid artery.

Objective: Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma may be successfully resected using endoscopic techniques. However, the use of coblation technology for such resection has not been described. This study aimed to document cases of Fisch class I juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma with limited nasopharyngeal and nasal cavity extension, which were completely resected using an endoscopic coblation technique., Methods: We retrospectively studied 23 patients with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma who underwent resection with either traditional endoscopic instruments (n = 12) or coblation (n = 11). Intra-operative blood loss and overall operative time were recorded., Results: The mean tumour resection time for coblation and traditional endoscopic instruments was 87 and 136 minutes, respectively (t = 9.962, p < 0.001). Mean intra-operative blood loss was 121 and 420 ml, respectively (t = 28.944, p < 0.001), a significant difference. Both techniques achieved complete tumour resection with minimal damage to adjacent tissues, and no recurrence in any patient., Conclusion: Coblation successfully achieves transnasal endoscopic resection of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (Fisch class I), with good surgical margins and minimal blood loss.

Introduction: Ewing's sarcoma is a rare, malignant tumour predominantly affecting young adolescent males. We describe a unique case of an isolated extra-skeletal metastasis from a skeletal Ewing's sarcoma primary, arising in the right sinonasal cavity of a young man who presented with severe epistaxis and periorbital cellulitis., Results: Histologically, the lesion comprised closely packed, slightly diffuse, atypical cells with round, hyperchromatic nuclei, scant cytoplasm and occasional mitotic figures, arranged in a sheet-like pattern. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positive staining only for cluster of differentiation 99 glycoprotein. Fluorescent in situ hybridisation identified the Ewing's sarcoma gene, confirming the diagnosis., Management: Complete surgical resection was achieved via a minimally invasive endoscopic transnasal approach; post-operative radiotherapy. Ten months post-operatively, there were no endoscopic or radiological signs of disease., Conclusion: Metastatic Ewing's sarcoma within the head and neck is incredibly rare and can pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. An awareness of different clinical presentations and distinct histopathological features is important to enable early diagnosis. This case illustrates one potential management strategy, and reinforces the evolving role of endoscopic transnasal approaches in managing sinonasal cavity and anterior skull base tumours.

Introduction: Surgical approaches to the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae are complex and cause significant morbidity. The commonest benign tumour to extend to the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae is angiofibroma., Patients and Methods: This prospective study included 15 male patients aged 12-27 years with recurrent, severe epistaxis. After computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, a modified Wormald and Robinson's two-surgeon approach was used. Follow up, with endoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging, ranged from two to five years., Results: Twelve patients were cured (endoscopically and radiologically). Three patients suffered recurrence, one each in the lateral sphenoid wall, pterygoid canal and infratemporal fossa. Revision surgery was performed, but one patient suffered another recurrence (lateral sphenoid wall with cavernous sinus infiltration) and was referred for gamma knife surgery., Conclusion: This endoscopic two-surgeon technique is an excellent approach for managing angiofibroma extending to the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae. Our modification markedly decreased morbidity by avoiding septum opening and sublabial incision, and by enabling better haemostasis (via maxillary artery control). Recurrence may be minimised by careful examination of the lateral sphenoid wall, pterygoid canal and infratemporal fossa pterygoid muscles.

Objective: We report the first case in the English language literature of an adamantinomatous infrasellar craniopharyngioma, and we describe our management strategy., Case Report: A 46-year-old woman presented with a six-month history of left-sided nasal obstruction and epistaxis. Rhinological examination revealed a left-sided, polypoidal lesion lying medial to the middle turbinate. An urgent examination under anaesthesia was organised; biopsies were considered characteristic of craniopharyngioma. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography demonstrated a well defined, heterogeneous, infrasellar mass centred in the midline, extending anteriorly into the left nasal cavity and posteriorly encasing both internal carotid arteries. Craniofacial resection was performed via a midfacial degloving approach, with adjuvant radiotherapy. The patient was disease-free one year post-operatively., Conclusion: Craniopharyngiomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a unilateral nasal polyp. Although technically benign, they are locally aggressive. Therefore, we recommend complete excision with adjuvant radiotherapy if margins are involved or close.

Objective: To report our experience of the management of patients with primary sinonasal malignant melanoma, and to review the relevant medical literature., Method: Retrospective review examining treatment and outcomes., Results: Twenty-four patients were treated between 1982 and 2007. The mean age at presentation was 67.5 years. The overall five-year survival was 30 per cent; mean survival was three years and eight months., Conclusion: Sinonasal malignant melanoma is associated with a poor outcome, and survival statistics have not improved over the last 40 years. Treatment should include radical surgery wherever possible. Local recurrence is common; radiotherapy may help control this but does not appear to affect overall survival. The limited evidence available suggests that endoscopic removal of sinonasal malignant melanoma is as effective as other local surgical means, but that craniofacial resection remains the 'gold standard' for tumours that contact or traverse the skull base. Novel biological treatments are emerging and hold promise for the future.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that potential sites of weakness within normal nasal arteries, when stressed, contribute to the mechanism of epistaxis, we 'stress-tested' nasal arteries in unfixed cadaveric heads, using pressure injection of feeding arteries., Materials and Methods: Indian ink with latex was injected into maxillary arteries under high pressure (620 mmHg). Stepwise dissection was carried out and areas showing ink leakage were examined. Control heads were injected at standard embalming pressures (375 mmHg)., Results: Ink leakage was found in all heads injected at higher pressure, and was restricted to the nasal mucosa. Histological examination of leakage points demonstrated vessel disruption consistent with dissecting aneurysm formation., Discussion: Results showed that high pressure injection caused leakage from arteries in the posterior nose; the distribution of leakage points was consistent with many clinical investigations. The lesions produced were comparable with our best histopathological model of epistaxis, i.e. dissecting aneurysm formation. This suggests that pre-existing weaknesses in the arterial configuration may exist.

Objective: To compare the gross and microscopic appearance of antrochoanal polyps associated with recurrent epistaxis, with those with a more typical presentation., Design: Prospective, controlled study., Methods: All patients underwent clinical and endoscopic examination, computed tomography scanning, and examination under anaesthesia, in order to detect the gross diagnostic criteria for antrochoanal polyp. Histological findings on light microscopy were compared for polyps presenting with epistaxis versus those without. The number of predominant inflammatory cells in the corium was determined in both groups and statistically compared using the Student t-test., Results: Recurrent epistaxis was a presenting symptom in 10/84 (11.9 per cent) patients with gross diagnostic criteria for antrochoanal polyp. Grossly, these patients' polyps had a reddish, vascular surface in parts. Histologically, these polyps showed a highly vascular stroma with multiple dilated blood vessels, the typical appearance of an angiomatous antrochoanal polyp. Thrombi at different stages of development were detected, with no infarcts. The remaining cases (88.1 per cent) had no history of epistaxis; histologically, these patients' polyps showed an oedematous connective tissue core with few inflammatory cells. Plasma cells were predominant in the angiomatous polyps, being significantly more prevalent than in the ordinary antrochoanal polyps (p < 0.00)., Conclusions: It would appear that only angiomatous antrochoanal polyps present with epistaxis. Detection of the characteristic gross appearance of these polyps may help avoid unwanted surgery. Histopathological analysis confirms the diagnosis. A significantly increased number of plasma cells may be the underlying cause of the histological changes seen in angiomatous antrochoanal polyps.

Objective: We report the first case of nasal and nasopharyngeal amyloidosis secondary to multiple myeloma; this case also represents the fourth report of systemic nasal or nasopharyngeal amyloidosis., Method: Case report and review of the world literature concerning nasal and nasopharyngeal amyloidosis epidemiology, presentation and management., Results: Nasal and nasopharyngeal amyloidosis is rare. The presentation, clinical course and treatment are discussed for the presented patient. The amyloid tumour, which recurred in correlation with the progressive transformation of the multiple myeloma, was treated surgically. Subsequent localised radiotherapy decreased the size and growth rate of the tumour., Conclusion: Amyloid should be considered as a cause of resistant or recurrent epistaxis provided a mass lesion is seen on radiological imaging. Radiotherapy may be a treatment option in nasal and nasopharyngeal amyloidosis.

Objective: We report a rare case of iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery secondary to endoscopic sphenoid surgery., Method: The management of this unusual complication and a review of the literature are presented., Results: A 65-year-old woman presented with intractable epistaxis four days following endoscopic sphenoid sinus surgery. Initial, conservative measures were unsuccessful in controlling bleeding. The clinical picture of delayed, severe epistaxis after a sphenoid sinus exploration raised the possibility of injury to the internal carotid artery and subsequent formation of a false aneurysm. The patient's pseudoaneurysm was managed, without visualising it, by packing the sphenoid sinus (achieved by palpating 1 cm above the shoulder of the posterior choana) in order to gain control of the haemorrhage, followed by endovascular occlusion., Conclusion: An awareness of this rare complication is essential in order to manage this life-threatening condition efficiently.

Objective: Most patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia suffer with frequent episodes of epistaxis. The aim of this case report is to highlight the effect on epistaxis, occurring in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia, when nasal airflow ceases., Case Report: We present the interesting case of a patient with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia who experienced cessation of her recurrent, refractory epistaxis through the development of coexisting polyp disease. The patient's enlarged, grade three nasal polyps were behaving as physiological obturators, limiting airflow through her nose. This reduced the intranasal trauma and subsequent frequency of her nosebleeds., Conclusion: Epistaxis is a debilitating part of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia, and poses a frequent management challenge. Our patient was more tolerant of her grade three nasal polyps than of her recurrent epistaxis. This case highlights the importance of reducing nasal airflow when treating patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Objective: To identify the nature of Woodruff's plexus, which has been frequently mentioned in the rhinological literature but has never been properly characterised., Study Design and Setting: A study using 21 cadaveric specimens, combining microdissection of the mucosa of the posterior part of the inferior meatus, Spalteholz 'clearing' of specimens injected with latex ink, and histological analysis of sections of the inferior meatal mucosa., Results: Microdissection revealed a superficial plexus of thin walled vessels in the inferior meatus, which were also seen in cleared, injected specimens. Histological sections showed these vessels to be large, thin walled veins with very little muscle or fibrous tissue, within a thin mucosa relatively devoid of other structures., Conclusion: Woodruff's plexus is a venous plexus in the posterior part of the inferior meatus., Significance: This is the first time Woodruff's plexus has been properly characterised. Whilst the significance of the plexus itself is uncertain, its long overdue identification as a venous plexus provides a platform for further study and discussion.

Objective: We report a rare case of sialadenoma papilliferum., Method: A case report of sialadenoma papilliferum is presented., Results: A 67-year-old woman presented with recurrent epistaxis. She was found to have an exophytic, well circumscribed mass on the nasal septum mucosa. The lesion was completely excised. A diagnosis of sialadenoma papilliferum was made based on the characteristic histological pattern. Follow up showed no evidence of recurrence. Subsequently, the patient remained well without complaint of epistaxis., Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first report in the world literature of sialadenoma papilliferum of the nasal cavity. This case indicates that this rare tumour can present with epistaxis, and can be resolved by means of total excision.

Objective: We report a case of Masson's pseudotumour or intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia presenting in the ethmoid sinus., Case Report: We present a diagnostically challenging case of Masson's pseudotumour of the ethmoid sinus presenting with persistent epistaxis and a review of the available literature., Conclusion: Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia is a benign, reactive lesion first described by the French pathologist Pierre Masson in 1923. It can lead to diagnostic uncertainty due to its close resemblance clinically, radiologically and histopathologically to angiosarcoma.

Objectives: We report a rare case of giant petrous carotid aneurysm., Method: Case report and a review of the literature regarding treatment options for such aneurysms., Results: A 30-year-old man presented with epistaxis, headaches and visual disturbance. Definitive diagnosis was achieved by non-invasive imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance angiography and carotid angiography. Carotid angiography demonstrated a giant petrous carotid aneurysm effacing the petrous apex. The aneurysm was obliterated by internal carotid artery ligation, following successful tolerance of the balloon occlusion test. However, despite internal carotid artery ligation, this patient continued to have minor episodes of epistaxis., Conclusion: Some aneurysms are too large to be treated with endovascular occlusion techniques; in such cases, ligation of the parent vessel is indicated. However, our patient continued to experience persistent, mild epistaxis despite internal carotid artery ligation, as a result of the reperfusion phenomenon.

Objective: To demonstrate the importance of pre-operative ear, nose and throat assessment in patients undergoing endoscopic, transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumours., Case Reports: Literature pertaining to the pre-operative otorhinolaryngological assessment and management of patients undergoing endoscopic anterior skull base surgery is sparse. We describe two cases from our series of 59 patients undergoing endoscopic pituitary surgery. The first case involved a young male patient with a large pituitary macroadenoma. His main complaint was visual impairment. He had no previous history of sinonasal pathology and did not complain of any nasal symptoms during the pre-operative neurosurgical assessment. At the time of surgery, a purulent nasal discharge was seen emanating from both middle meati. Surgery was abandoned due to the risk of post-operative meningitis, and postponed until the patient's chronic rhinosinusitis was optimally managed. The second patient was a 47-year-old woman with a large pituitary macroadenoma, who presented to the neurosurgical department with a main complaint of diplopia. She too gave no history of previous nasal problems, and she underwent uneventful surgery using the endoscopic, transnasal approach. Two weeks after surgery, she presented to the emergency unit with severe epistaxis. A previous diagnosis of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia was discovered, and further surgical and medical intervention was required before the epistaxis was finally controlled., Conclusions: Pre-operative otorhinolaryngological assessment is essential prior to endoscopic pituitary or anterior skull base surgery. A thorough otorhinolaryngological history will determine whether any co-morbid diseases exist which could affect the surgical field. Nasal anatomy can be assessed via nasal endoscopy and sinusitis excluded. Computed tomography imaging is a valuable aid to decisions regarding additional procedures needed to optimise access to the pituitary fossa.

The maxillary sinus haematoma is an uncommon cause of a maxillary sinus mass. It presents with a variety of symptoms, the most common being epistaxis. Although histologically benign, it may be clinically progressive. Radiological findings can range from a benign appearance to a more aggressive process, including bony erosion. Surgical evacuation is the mainstay of therapy. We describe our experience in managing this condition and review available literature on the subject.

Two patients with a history of epistaxis who were both found to have a nasolacrimal duct melanoma are presented. A literature review revealed that no previous cases of primary nasolacrimal duct melanoma have been reported. Current therapeutic modalities are discussed.

We report a case of severe unilateral epistaxis requiring surgical arrest of bleeding, via endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation and anterior ethmoidal artery ligation. This followed recreational nasal insertion of St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). Interactions between this substance and prescribed drugs have been described following oral ingestion. However, this unusual case highlights a further, worrying potential rhinological side effect of this substance.

An extremely rare case of a granular cell tumour arising from the right Kiesselbach's area (Little's area) of the nasal septum is reported. A 69-year-old Japanese woman consulted our clinic and her chief complaints were of continuous serous discharge, stuffiness and occasional slight bleeding from the right nasal cavity. Fibrescopy showed a multilocular mass, which was provisionally considered a nasal polyp. Surgical excision was attempted. During surgery, the tumour shrank markedly following local application of adrenaline, suggestive of hypervascularity. The tumour was successfully excised by careful dissection after cauterisation of the mucosa surrounding the tumour. Histopathological examination revealed morphological features of granular cell tumour immunopositive for S-100 protein. This is the first report of granular cell tumour arising from the Kiesselbach's area in the English literature. The eccentric behaviour of the tumour and the management of a granular cell tumour arising from this area are discussed, together with a literature review.

Infrasellar craniopharyngioma is an uncommon neoplasm. Rarely, it presents with epistaxis. To date, 39 cases of infrasellar craniopharyngioma have been reported in the world literature. Involvement of the maxillary sinus has only been reported once. We report a second case exclusively involving the nasal cavity, ethmoid sinus and maxillary sinus. Excision was performed using a Denker's medial maxillectomy approach.

An unusual case of epistaxis resulting from post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is described. A 30-year-old woman who had undergone renal transplantation 12 years previously presented with profuse, posterior, unilateral epistaxis. The initial findings, workup and treatment are presented. A post-nasal space (PNS) mass was detected and biopsy showed this to be an Epstein-Barr virus-positive polymorphous B-cell post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. Computed tomography findings showed a polypoid lesion protruding from the sphenoethmoidal recess and filling the left PNS. Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is well known to involve tonsil tissue. Commonly, this is the first presentation of the disease in children. However, until now post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder has not been described in the PNS or nasal cavity presenting as epistaxis. We conclude that all transplant patients presenting with epistaxis should be followed up for an accurate examination of the PNS and nasal cavity after the acute episode.

A case is presented where a left jugulotympanic paraganglioma (JTP) extended to the nasopharynx and the patient presented with recurrent epistaxis. Although initial biopsy of an aural polyp had been suggestive of the diagnosis several years previously, the diagnosis was not confirmed until the patient presented with recurrent epistaxis and severe anaemia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported of such a presentation of JTP.

Intractable epistaxis is a difficult problem to manage, particularly in a case complicated by Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. This is the first report describing intermittent self-packing of the nasal cavities at home to reduce hospital admissions and control symptoms. Some of the potential problems and complications are highlighted.

Glomus tumours are the most common primary neoplasms of the middle ear, typically benign and slowly progressive. Pulsatile tinnitus and ipsilateral hearing loss are the most common symptoms at presentation by far; otalgia, aural fullness and otorrhoea being less frequent. A case of primary glomus tympanicum presenting with recurrent epistaxis, previously unreported in the literature, is described and associated imaging presented.

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by dermal, mucosal, and visceral telangiectases as well as pulmonary and cerebral arteriovenous malformations. Recurrent epistaxis occurs in the majority of patients, and by the very nature of the thin walled vessels involved it is often refractory to conventional forms of treatment. We present the case of an 82-year-old lady with intractable epistaxis secondary to HHT, that was successfully controlled by the application of fibrin glue.

Most cases of epistaxis are due to simple causes and are easily treated on an out-patient basis. However, there are some cases where the origin of bleeding is not obvious or arises from an unusual pathological source. The authors describe a case of epistaxis due to a mass in the maxillary antrum that when biopsied showed the histological appearances of a haemophilic pseudotumour. The patient was anticoagulated on warfarin for a cardiac valve replacement and this was thought to be the cause of the ongoing haemorrhage necessary for development of the pseudotumour. Even in haemophiliacs, pseudotumours are rare and we believe this case is unique in that the patient is a non-haemophiliac. The epistaxis was eventually controlled by external beam radiotherapy to the pseudotumour. The management of this case is outlined as well as a review of the literature on haemophilic pseudotumour.

This is a retrospective review of 74 consecutive patients who presented with a nasal septal perforation or ulcer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of the investigations used to identify the pathology underlying their septal perforation or ulcer. In the majority of cases there was an anterior (85 per cent) smooth, well-circumscribed septal lesion with an occasional bleeding point. Seventy-seven per cent were less than two cm in diameter. The primary presenting symptom was intermittent epistaxis, with the exception of patients with granulomatous disease, who presented more frequently with nasal obstruction. Thirty-five patients (47 per cent) were idiopathic, 29 (39 per cent) traumatic, eight (11 per cent) inflammatory and two (three per cent) infectious. The nasal septum was biopsied in 71 cases, and histology showed non-specific or non-diagnostic findings in 39 (55 per cent), chronic inflammation in 12 (17 per cent), acute inflammation in six (eight per cent), acute to chronic inflammation in four (six per cent) and histological changes consistent with trauma in nine (13 per cent). The anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody test (ANCA) successfully identified six patients with Wegener's granulomatosis, and the angiotensin converting enzyme test (ACE) supported a clinical diagnosis of sarcoidosis in one patient. The remaining investigation methods (CRP, ESR, chest radiograph, biochemistry and coagulation screen) did not contribute to the diagnosis. In this study, the appearance of a nasal septal perforation or ulcer or its location did not predict the clinical diagnosis. A nasal septal bopsy did not significantly contribute toward the clinical diagnosis. On the basis of these findings, a biopsy of a septal perforation or ulcer is unlikely to contribute to the management of patients unless the supportive tests of ANCA or ACE are abnormal or unless malignancy is suspected. This conclusion is restricted to the management of septal perforations as we have found nasal biopsies of polyps of other lesions to be of value.

The surgical closure of septal perforations remains a distinctive challenge to the otorhinolaryngologist. This is demonstrated by the modest success in most techniques. An alternative method, involving surgical enlargement of the perforation with posterior edge repair, is described and the outcome is investigated. Thirteen patients with perforations of up to 50 mm in size underwent this technique. A questionnaire interview was conducted and symptom scores were obtained. The length of hospitalization, follow-up period and post-operative complications were evaluated as were measures of morbidity. The results showed a significant improvement in the symptom scores for nasal crusting, epistaxis and overall discomfort. This technique is straightforward and is especially suitable for larger perforations. The successful improvement in symptoms and an associated low morbidity makes it a complement to alternative surgical closure techniques.

The role of routine coagulation studies in the management of patients suffering from epistaxis is unclear. In an attempt to address this issue the case notes of all emergency admissions for epistaxis to a large Scottish teaching hospital were retrospectively reviewed over a one-year period. One hundred and forty patients (63 male, 77 female) were admitted between January and December 1998. The patients who had coagulation studies were identified and their results analysed. A total of 121 patients (86.4 per cent) had coagulation studies performed. Of these, 10 (8.3 per cent) had abnormal results and all were taking warfarin or a combination of warfarin and aspirin. No other coagulation abnormalities were identified. This study supports the view that there does not appear to be a role for routine coagulation studies in patients admitted with epistaxis. The investigation for potential haemostatic disorders should be performed when clinically indicated and, if necessary, in consultation with the haematology service.