[Cavernous hemangioma of the nasal cavity].

OBJECTIVES To study the circumstances of diagnosis, imaging techniques and therapeutic management of cavernous hemangioma of the nasal cavity. MATERIAL AND METHOD We report the case of a 60-year-old woman, who presented epistaxis CT scan and nasal obstruction. RESULTS Rhinoscopy showed a purplish, regular mass that filled the left nasal cavity. Computed tomographic and MRI images showed the tumor in contact close to the middle turbinate. An arteriography with selective embolization was performed. The lesion was completely removed by endonasal endoscopic surgery. The histological examination showed a cavernous hemangioma of the nasal cavity. CONCLUSION Even if cavernous hemangiomas are rare, the practitioner must suggest the diagnosis if the patient has a purplish bleeding mass of the nasal cavity. CT scan, MRI, and arteriography can help make the diagnosis. Before surgical management, embolization is recommended.