A Decade-Old Rhinolith Masquerading as Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Year 2023, Volume: 6 Issue: 3, 98 - 100, 20.12.2023

P. R. Reshma B. V. Chandre Gowda

Abstract

Rhinoliths are a rare condition caused due to the deposition of various salts in and around endogenous or exogenous foreign bodies. They typically present with unilateral foul-smelling nasal discharge, nasal block, epistaxis, anosmia, etc. In this article, we report the case of a 12-year-old girl who had complaints of bilateral foul-smelling nasal discharge and nasal block, which were treated multiple times as chronic rhinosinusitis in various local hospitals. A drastic turn of events after nasal endoscopy and radiological workup was noted, and the child was diagnosed with rhinolith, and its further management is discussed in this article. This case report aims at highlighting the fact that in many instances, parents are unaware of the child inserting any foreign body or neglect such events, and such a negative history is misleading, and a thorough workup must be done for early diagnosis and treatment. Nasal endoscopy and computed tomography scans aid in the diagnosis of such cases. Management is endoscopic removal with the placement of a stent or nasal pack to prevent adhesions and formation of synechiae.

Keywords

Rhinolith , foreign body , chronic rhinosinusitis , nasal endoscopy

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