Traumatic Hematoma of Left Alar Cartilage and Its Anatomical Localization

The greater alar cartilage is a thin, flexible plate and bends upon itself in such a manner as to form the medial-lateral wall of the naris. Whereas haematomas of the nasal septum, upper lateral nasal cartilage, pinna, and larynx are all well-recognised causes of cartilaginous necrosis, haematomas of the alar cartilage have not been described previously. A 22-yearold woman had a swelling on the left side of her nose due to a blunt trauma, and complained of a feeling of congestion and difficulty in breathing. During rhinoscopic examination, severe pain and blockage of the left nasal passage due to a purpleblue swelling was reported. The patient had been hospitalised with a diagnosis of alar cartilage haematoma due to trauma. The haematoma in the left subperichondrial region had been drained. The diagnosis similar to that of septal haematoma, and is dependent on the clinician being aware of its existence and the knowledge that, if left untreated, it may result in an unacceptable cosmetic deformity.