Spontaneous Nasal Septal Abscess: A Case Report

Nasal septal abscess (NSA) is considered a rhinologic emergency. Fortunately, the incidence of NSA has markedly reduced due to the introduction of antibiotics and easy access to medical care. NSA commonly results from infection in the space between the nasal septum and the overlying mucoperichondrium and/or mucoperiosteum, typically secondary to nasal septal hematoma, but it can also be idiopathic. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are critical to avoid further complications. This paper reports the case of a 46-year-old man with no known risk factors for NSA. He was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, and the surgical treatment involved incision and drainage with the intraoperative placement of a Penrose drain and a silastic sheet on postoperative day five. The patient was discharged without complications such as septal perforation or saddle nose deformity.