Alar haematoma

Abstract

We present two cases of alar haematoma. This is a very rare complication of nasal trauma, and only two cases have been described previously. One case presented late and did not undergo surgical drainage and has a persistent cosmetic deformity. We recommend early surgical drainage when possible.

Subperichondrial haematomas of the nasal alar cartilage

“…Only five cases of nasal alar cartilage haematomas have been reported in the literature so far, most of which concern a paediatric population 2 3 5. The patients of this report are also children.…”

“…Although subperichondrial haematomas of the nasal septum comprise a well-recognised, relatively common and potentially dreadful consequence of mid-facial injuries, their counterparts in the region of the major alar cartilage are much rarer and unwonted. However, they may cause equally dire aftereffects, such as cosmetic deformities and compromised nasal breathing resulting from loss of support 1–3. Another primary concern of an unaddressed haematoma would be the grievous septic intracranial complications that may ensue from successive abscess formation 4…”

Alar cartilage hematoma of the nose secondary to facial trauma.

“…10 In some cases, spontaneous non traumatic septal hematoma may occur. 6 If the hematoma is not removed, it can lead to different clinical presentation. 9 Less problematic presentation of septal hematoma is thickening of the septum, and posterior obstruction.…”

“…In these cases, the underlying cause has always been nasal trauma, with most of these cases occurring in children. 6 Often the clinical details of these lesions are less severe in the presentation because they appear small in the nasal vestibule and not causing significant nasal obstruction. 7 However, the evaluation and management are similar to those of a septal hematoma, and delay in management may lead to significant disability.…”

“…Hematoma involving the nasal tip and alar cartilage is rare and till now very limited number of cases mentioned in literatures. 6 According to Govind et al less than 10 cases found in literatures. 7…”