Changes in the nasal mucosa of habitual nose-bleeders.

121 habitual nose-bleeders were investigated. In all but one, local changes were found in the nasal mucosa. Abnormal vessels (varicose vessels, telangioma, or a network of small vessels) were found in 102 (84%), and 18 (15%) had mucosal atrophy (rhinitis anterior sicca or septal perforation) without abnormal vessels. The occurrence of abnormal vessels was significantly increased when the bleeders were compared with subjects in a control group. Mucosal atrophy was also significantly more common in the habitual nose-bleeders but only in association with abnormal vessels. Varicose vessels were the most frequent abnormality in both the habitual nose-bleeders and the control group. Telangiomas were only present in the habitual nose-bleeders. Heredity seems to be important in explaining the occurrence of varicose vessels as well as telangiomas in habitual nose-bleeders.