An abscess of the nasal septum can progress rapidly to become a potenitally life-threatening condition.
Location: within the nasal septum
Risk factors:
(1) nasal septal hematoma
(2) ulceration or penetrating trauma of the nasal mucosa
(3) immunodeficiency
The nasal septum will be swollen and show signs of inflammation including pain and erythema. A Gram stain of drainage or of an aspirate will show neutrophils and bacteria.
Complications:
(1) meningitis
(2) intracranial abscess
(3) orbital cellulitis
(4) cavernous sinus thrombosis
(5) sepsis
Differential diagnosis:
(1) Wegener’s granulomatosis
(2) mucormycosis/zygmycosis
(3) tuberculosis
(4) deep fungal infection
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