Elungata
JF-Expert Member
- Jan 28, 2011
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A rhinolith is a stone present in the nasal
cavity. The word is derived from the roots
rhino- and -lith, literally meaning "nose
stone". It is an uncommon medical
phenomenon, not to be confused with
dried nasal mucus. A rhinolith usually
forms around the nucleus of a small
exogenous foreign body, blood clot or
secretion by slow deposition of calcium
and magnesium salts. Over a period of
time, they grow into large irregular
masses that fill the nasal cavity. They may
cause pressure necrosis of the nasal
septum or lateral wall of nose. Rhinoliths
can cause nasal obstruction, epistaxis,
headache, sinusitis and epiphora. They
can be diagnosed from the history with
unilateral foul smelling blood stained
nasal discharge or by anterior rhinoscopy.
On probing probe can be passed around
all its corners. In both CT and MRI rhinolith
will appear like a radiopaque irregular
material. Small rhinoliths can be removed
by foreign body hook. Whereas large
rhinoliths can be removed either by
crushing with luc's forceps or by Moore's
lateral rhinotomy approach.[1][2]
Signs and symptoms
Rhinoliths present as unilateral nasal
obstruction. Foul-smelling, blood-stained
discharge is often present. Epistaxis and
pain may occur due to the ulceration of
surrounding mucosa.
Management
They are removed under general
anaesthesia. Most can be removed
through anterior nares. Large ones need
to be broken into pieces before removal.
Some particularly hard and irregular ones
may require lateral rhinotomy.
cavity. The word is derived from the roots
rhino- and -lith, literally meaning "nose
stone". It is an uncommon medical
phenomenon, not to be confused with
dried nasal mucus. A rhinolith usually
forms around the nucleus of a small
exogenous foreign body, blood clot or
secretion by slow deposition of calcium
and magnesium salts. Over a period of
time, they grow into large irregular
masses that fill the nasal cavity. They may
cause pressure necrosis of the nasal
septum or lateral wall of nose. Rhinoliths
can cause nasal obstruction, epistaxis,
headache, sinusitis and epiphora. They
can be diagnosed from the history with
unilateral foul smelling blood stained
nasal discharge or by anterior rhinoscopy.
On probing probe can be passed around
all its corners. In both CT and MRI rhinolith
will appear like a radiopaque irregular
material. Small rhinoliths can be removed
by foreign body hook. Whereas large
rhinoliths can be removed either by
crushing with luc's forceps or by Moore's
lateral rhinotomy approach.[1][2]
Signs and symptoms
Rhinoliths present as unilateral nasal
obstruction. Foul-smelling, blood-stained
discharge is often present. Epistaxis and
pain may occur due to the ulceration of
surrounding mucosa.
Management
They are removed under general
anaesthesia. Most can be removed
through anterior nares. Large ones need
to be broken into pieces before removal.
Some particularly hard and irregular ones
may require lateral rhinotomy.