Nasal Septal Hematoma and Abscess in Children: An Uncommon Otorhinolaryngology Emergency Revisited

To evaluate the demographic factors, trauma type, treatment, and long-term results in patients with nasal septal hematoma (NSH) and nasal septal abscess (NSA) in pediatric age group.

Between the years 2006 and 2019, patients who received a diagnosis of NSA and NSH were included for the study. Demographic data, the surgical findings, and long-term follow-up results were recorded.

A total of 68 patients were identified. Forty-five patients were diagnosed as NSA and 23 patients were diagnosed with NSA. Mean age of the patients was 7.00 ± 3.33 years. Patients did not differ in terms of age, gender, and etiology. Mean duration of the symptoms was significantly high in NSA group (4.11 ± 4.00 days for NSH and 7.61 ± 7.71 days for NSA, P = 0.011). Associated nasal fracture was significantly high in NSH group. Previous nasal examination was significantly high in NSA group. Epistaxis was present significantly high in NSH group (P = 0.013). Fever and purulent nasal discharge was observed significantly high in NSA group. Forty-seven (n = 47) patients can be reevaluated for long-term deformity (NSH, n = 34 [72.34%] and NSA, n = 13 [27.65%]). Mean follow-up period of the patients was 8.7 years. In total, 61.7% of the patients experienced minor or major sequelae. Both NSA and NSH groups did not differ in terms of minor sequelae and major sequelae. No sequleae was significantly high in NSH group (for NSH n = 17/34-(50,0%); for NSA n = 1/13- (7,7%), p = 0.008). Both NSA and NSH groups did not differ in terms of no sequelae and minor sequelae.

The NSH and NSA are uncommon conditions that needed prompt diagnosis and intervention.