The most common site of posterior epistaxis requiring arterial ligation or embolization is the territory of the:

• A Sphenopalatine artery ✓
• B Anterior ethmoidal artery
• C Greater palatine artery
• D Superior labial artery

Explanation

Posterior epistaxis originates most commonly from the sphenopalatine artery territory (posterior lateral nasal wall near the posterior end of the inferior turbinate — Woodruff's plexus). The sphenopalatine artery, a terminal branch of the maxillary artery, is the primary source of severe posterior bleeds in elderly patients with hypertension. Endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation or interventional embolization targets this vessel. Anterior epistaxis (Little's area) is managed conservatively or by local cautery.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.