PROGRESSIVE ETHMOID HEMATOMA - CHARACTERISTICS, CAUSE, AND TREATMENT

Progressive ethmoid hematoma lesions increase in size as hemorrhage co ntinues. As a lesion grows, it can be locally destructive toward surro unding structures. Unilateral involvement is most common; bilateral in volvement may represent progression of a unilateral condition. Because a lesion develops in the confines of the paranasal sinuses, it normal ly becomes apparent only when clinical signs do; by this time, the les ion is often large and may occupy the sinus and nasal cavity. The caus e of progressive ethmoid hematoma is currently unknown. Treatment invo lves surgical or laser removal. Recurrence is a problem associated wit h conventional surgical removal.