Epistaxis: The role of arterial embolization

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Interventional Radiology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, is common and typically benign.
• Severe or recurrent epistaxis can present as a medical or surgical emergency.
• It requires careful assessment of cause, severity, and patient risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the management of epistaxis, focusing on severe and refractory cases.
• To highlight the role and efficacy of arterial embolization as a treatment option.
• To compare embolization with surgical interventions.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical context and diagnostic challenges in epistaxis.
• Discussion of arterial embolization as a treatment for severe epistaxis.
• Analysis of treatment trends, comparing embolization with surgery.

Main Results:

• Arterial embolization is effective and safe for severe refractory epistaxis when performed by trained specialists.
• Surgery remains the predominant treatment for refractory epistaxis in the United States.
• Close collaboration and patient information are crucial for optimal management.

Conclusions:

• Arterial embolization is a valuable, minimally invasive option for severe epistaxis.
• Understanding the clinical context is vital for appropriate epistaxis management.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration enhances outcomes for complex epistaxis cases.