Is there a relationship between epitaxis and anatomical variations?

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study is to introduce the relationship between epistaxis and anatomical variations and present the current treatment approach. Materials and Methods: Forty-five patients (28 males and 17 females) that presented to otorhinolaryngology clinics at Mengucek Gazi Training and Research Hospital with pre-diagnosed epistaxis between October 2018 and April 2019 were included in the study. Age, sex and structural causes and anatomical localization of epistaxis in patients were analysed. Results: The median age of the patients was 42, ranging from 20 to 60 years. Focus of bleeding was observed on the right in 16 cases (35.5%), left in 14 cases (31.1%) and bilateral in nasal cavity in 15 cases (33.3%). Bleeding was from the anterior septum in front of the maxillary ostium line. Anatomical variations were seen in 31 patients (68.8%) (septal deviation in 12, septal perforation in two, and concha hypertrophy in 17). Conclusion: Epistaxis is one of the most common ear, nose, and throat emergencies. Etiological reasons must be analysed for the treatment to be effective.