An Unusual and Forgotten Foreign Body Nose Presenting as Rhinolith

Dr. Dimple Sahni, Dr. Harpuneet

Abstract: Rhinoliths are uncommon clinical entities reported in clinical practice as unusual cause of unilateral nasal obstruction and foul smelling nasal discharge. Rhinolith is calcified material found in the nasal cavity. It should be suspected when patient presents with unilateral nasal blocked and foul smelling nasal discharge with stony mass on clinical examination and proved radiologically. We report the case of a 30 year old female with left sided (LT) nasal obstruction and foul smelling discharge for 15 years suspected as being due to foreign body (rubber band) present since childhood and forgotten by the patient. The salient features of such rhinoliths and their relevance to clinical practice are discussed, so as to enable the attending clinician to be aware of this forgotten entity, which requires a high index of suspicion. On anterior rhinoscopy a stony hard mass (Rhinolith was seen filling left nasal cavity. Under General anaesthesia stone was removed in toto from left nasal cavity.

Keywords: Rhinolith, Foreign body nose, Calcareous concretions, Serosanginous discharge, Functional endoscopic sinus surgery