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Nasal insertion of St John's wort: an unusual cause of epistaxis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 November 2006

D P Crampsey
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, North Glasgow University Hospitals, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
C M Douglas
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, North Glasgow University Hospitals, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
L D Cooke
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, North Glasgow University Hospitals, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Abstract

We report a case of severe unilateral epistaxis requiring surgical arrest of bleeding, via endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation and anterior ethmoidal artery ligation. This followed recreational nasal insertion of St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). Interactions between this substance and prescribed drugs have been described following oral ingestion. However, this unusual case highlights a further, worrying potential rhinological side effect of this substance.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
2006 JLO (1984) Limited

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