Rhinolithiasis, an unusual cause of nasal discharge: A case report

IF 0.6 Q4 SURGERY International Journal of Surgery Case Reports Pub Date : 2025-02-07 DOI:10.1016/j.ijscr.2025.111033

Chaima Ben Ammar, Makram Tbini, Houssem Eddine Kamel, Sarra Idriss, Mamia Ben Salah

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Abstract

Introduction

Rhinolithiasis is a rare condition often underdiagnosed due to its long asymptomatic nature.

Case presentation

We report the case of an 18-year-old female with a year-long history of right-sided nasal obstruction and nasal discharge. Physical examination identified a mass in the right nasal cavity. A paranasal sinus CT scan confirmed the diagnosis of rhinolithiasis. The mass was successfully removed endoscopically under general anesthesia and was found to be mineralized around a synthetic pearl. The patient was discharged the following day, with no complications observed at follow-up.

Clinical discussion

Rhinolithiasis is easy to diagnose and to treat. Diagnostic is based on clinical examination and CT-scan. Treatment is made by extracting the rhinolithiasis endoscopically.