A 44-year-old Rhinolith: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

The reported incidence of rhinolithiasis is 1 in 10,000 patients. Symptoms include rhinorrhea, epistaxis, and nasal obstruction. Diagnosis is clinical, by anterior rhinoscopy. Treatment requires the complete removal of the existing rhinolith, either by anterior rhinoscopy or nasal endoscopy, although a lateral rhinotomy has been required in some cases. Reported complications include sinusitis, septal perforation, frontal osteomyelitis, and, rarely, epidural abscess formation. We present a case of a large right nasal cavity rhinolith of 44 years of evolution that required removal under general anesthesia. The patient’s chart was reviewed to compile case details, and PubMed was searched for current diagnostic and management options.