An alar cartilage hematoma in a 10-year-old child

Nasal trauma plays a large role in the field of craniofacial trauma. Besides nasal bone fractures, nasal trauma can also cause damage to cartilaginous or soft tissues. A subperichondrial hematoma is mainly found at the level of the nasal septum. In exceptional cases, a hematoma develops at the level of the alar cartilage. We present the case of a 10-year-old girl presenting to the emergency department after nasal trauma with epistaxis and significant nasal edema. She was diagnosed with single-sided nasal alar cartilage hematoma after 6 days by an ear, nose, and throat specialist.  To conclude, proper management consists of early recognition, drainage of the hematoma, and antimicrobial therapy to prevent cosmetic and functional deformities. It is important to 

Cite this article as: Bonte AS, Kastoer C, Vanderveken OM, Van Rompaey D, Van Gool K, Claes J. An alar cartilage hematoma in a 10-year-old child. B-ENT 2020; 16(3): 168-71.