Endoscopy in rhinolithiasis

Rhinolith is a stone like nasal mass uncommon in children and adolescent. Diagnosis of rhinolithiasis may be difficult because of the possibility of varying clinical presentations. We report 2 cases in adults. The first was 23 years old female having unilateral nasal obstruction, cacosmia and occasional blood stained nasal discharge. The second case was that of a 47 years old male having unilateral foul smelling nasal discharge, progressive unilateral nasal obstruction, anosmia and atypical facial pain. Both were diagnosed on anterior rhinoscopy and rigid endoscopic examination of nose. Radiological evaluation of nose and paranasal sinuses were performed to confirm the diagnosis. These rhinoliths were removed using zero° rigid nasal endoscope. Salient features of such large rhinoliths and the role of rigid endoscope in the diagnosis and treatment are discussed briefly enabling the attending physician to be aware of this infrequent entity in adults which requires high index of suspicion.