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Hemotympanums secondary to spontaneous epistaxis
T C Evans1, J Hecker, D K Zaiser
1Division of Emergency Medicine, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Spontaneous epistaxis (nosebleeds) can cause hemotympanum, a middle ear blood collection. This previously unreported association highlights a new diagnostic consideration for emergency physicians.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Hemotympanum is a recognized sign of basilar skull fractures.
- Spontaneous epistaxis is common, but its association with hemotympanum is not well-documented.
Observation:
- Three cases of hemotympanum following spontaneous, atraumatic epistaxis are presented.
- No prior nasal packing or trauma was reported in these cases.
Findings:
- Spontaneous epistaxis can lead to hemotympanum without skull fracture.
- This suggests a potential pathway for blood to reach the middle ear.
Implications:
- Emergency physicians should consider hemotympanum in patients with spontaneous epistaxis.
- This finding may alter the diagnostic and management approach for epistaxis.