Nasal alar necrosis.
OBJECTIVE
To describe an unrecognized clinical entity, nasal alar necrosis, and propose recommendations regarding the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management of these cases.


METHODS
Retrospective review of four patients with this condition.


METHODS
Histories, treatments, and outcomes were evaluated using office and hospital chart data.


RESULTS
We noted that three patients had prior trauma or surgery, other than to the nose, in the head and neck region. All four patients had comorbidities such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, depression, or tobacco abuse. Three patients had sensory deficits over the distribution of the maxillary nerve, and three volunteered that they had a habit of picking the crusted wound. Two patients improved over several months with aggressive wound care. One patient refused treatment and another underwent successful reconstruction.


CONCLUSIONS
After malignant and granulomatous diseases were ruled out, our evaluations suggested that the pathogenesis was multifactorial including several factors alone or in combination, such as, hypoesthesia, self-mutilation, and an inadequate blood supply. Deficits in vascularity and sensory innervation must be considered as potential obstacles in reconstruction. Psychological problems causing factitious wounding may complicate therapeutic interventions.
Rachel
J D
JD
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Mathog
R H
RH
D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001414:Bacitracin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D009666:Nose / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D009668:Nose Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D001414:Bacitracin