Nasal Septum Abscess Secondary to Furunculoid Eruption in Lower Limbs

Abstract

The septal abscess is a rare otorhinolaryngological emergency, being composed of a collection of purulent content, which can be between the nasal septum and mucoperichondrium or mucoperiosteum that covers it. It occurs mainly due to Staphylococcus aureus, usually after nasal trauma, and having nasal surgeries, rhinosinusitis, dental infection and immunodeficiencies as a risk factor, being rare after episodes of furunculosis. Its most common symptom is nasal obstruction and anterior rhinoscopy reveals unilateral or bilateral edema. To aid the diagnosis, computed tomography of the nose and paranasal sinuses is used, which allows the identification of the size, location and position in relation to the airways. Treatment requires early drainage and antimicrobial therapy to cover all possible aerobic and anaerobic pathogens; otherwise, it can culminate in complications such as septal perforation, nasal deformity, orbital cellulitis, meningitis, subarachnoid empyema, intracranial abscess, cavernous sinus thrombosis and sepsis.