Ischemic necrosis of nose and palate after embolization for epistaxis. A case report

This paper reports the case of a 50-year-old man who underwent superselective embolization after severe posterior rhinorrhagia caused by hypertension. Twelve hours after the procedure, left-sided hemiparesis and right-sided facial nerve paresis developed, followed by ulceration and necrosis of the soft palate, diaphragm, and right nasal ala. Reconstruction was implemented with porous polyethylene for the nasal pyramid, a forehead flap and a mucosal flap from the oral vestibulum for polyethylene coverage, and a rotational palatal flap for closure of the oroantral fistula. Exposure of the material occurred after 4 weeks, and removal was followed by satisfactory maintenance of the shape and function of the nose. Postembolization necrosis is a rare complication of the area, and there are very few similar reports in the literature.