Nasal septal abscess complicating isolated acute sphenoiditis: case report and literature review
Gradoni, P.; Fois, P.
B-Ent 6(4): 303-305
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 1781-782X PMID: 21302696 Document Number: 647048
This report presents an extremely rare case of nasal septal abscess complicating acute sphenoiditis in a non-immunocompromised adult patient. A 56-year-old woman came to our emergency service with a 2 wk history of nasal obstruction, headache, and facial pain. A nontraumatic nasal septal abscess complicating acute isolated sphenoiditis was diagnosed. Under general anaesthesia, we drained the septal abscess and performed an endoscopic transnasal sphenoidotomy. Bacteriological cultures revealed viridans streptococci in the septal abscess and sphenoid cavity. We discuss the patient's diagnosis, possible complications, and treatment. There are limited reports in the literature on this subject. Our report emphasizes the need to determine whether an infection is associated with a non-traumatic nasal septal abscess. The incidence of severe complications is directly related to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, a prompt and correct diagnosis immediately followed by appropriate treatment is necessary.