Abstract
During the period from January 1981 to April 1988 we experienced 8 cases of epistaxis which required ligation of the ethmoid artery. Histopathological findings of these cases are reported with some discussion. With the recent rapid progression in the tendency of the high-aged society, cases of epistaxis in elderly persons have been encountered increasingly. Naturally in these cases complications such as hypertension and arteriosclerosis are often seen and much difficulties are experienced in obtaining hemostasis. In particular in cases of bleeding from the branches of the internal carotid artery, even ligation of the ethmoid artery is required not infrequently. In cases we could follow up histological findings of arteries the internal elastic membrane of the ethmoid artery was injured. Moreover, it is needless to say that the ethmoid artery shows arteriosclerosis as high age associated changes. Therefore, it is considered that cases which require ligation will increase in number in the future.
