Rhinolithiasis, a rare entity: Analysis of 31 cases and literature review

Rhinolithiasis is a rare condition which results from deposition of salt around a endogenous or exogenous nidus. In the literature, most of the reports are single case studies. In this study, we aimed to present the characteristics, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment methods of 31 rhinolithiasis cases and to focus on the current literature.

We retrospectively reviewed 31 rhinolithiasis cases which have been diagnosed and treated in a tertiary care center between January 2014 and December 2018. Patient characteristics, presenting symptoms, concomitant sinonasal disorders, and type of surgery were noted. Descriptive statistics were carried out.

Mean age was 25.4±15.7. The cases were comprised 14 female patients (45.2%) and 17 male patients (54.8%). The most common presenting symptom was nasal obstruction (71%). Malodorous unilateral rhinorrhea was present in 17 patients (54.8%). Epistaxis snoring and sleep apnea were other rare symptoms. In 21 of the cases (67.7%), rhinolith was located between inferior turbinate and septum which was the most common location seen in our series. The number of patients who were under the age of 18 was 13, in 2 of them, rhinolith was found to be formed around a plastic bead, and in 2 of them, fruit seeds were the nidus. The most common concomitant sinonasal pathology was septal deviation which was detected in 20 of the patients (64.5%), adenoid vegetation and nasal polyposis were other disorders. In 20 of the patients (64.5%), simple removal of the rhinolith using a forceps with the help of a rigid nasal endoscope was performed. Eight of the 17 patients had severe deviation and septoplasty was performed at the same time, which was the most common concomitant surgical intervention (25.8%). In 3 patients (9.6%), functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed at the same time.

Our series is one of the largest series in the literature. The most common presenting symptom was nasal obstruction followed by malodorous rhinorrhea. Accompanying sinonasal disorders should be addressed to improve the outcome. Rigid or flexible endoscopic examination should be used to detect a rhinolith. Computed tomography scan can diagnose a hidden rhinolith in a patient with nasal obstruction.