Rhinolith

Rhinoliths, also known as nasal calculi, are uncommon lesions that results from a chronic inflammatory response to complete or partial mineralised encrustation of intranasal foreign bodies. They are most commonly seen in children and cognitively impaired adults who accidentally insert foreign bodies into their nose. Less frequently, trauma, surgery and dental work, nasal packing material, and plugs of ointment may also promote the development of a rhinolith.

Clinical presentation

Most rhinoliths ultimately produce clinical symptoms including unilateral purulent nasal dischargeand nasal obstruction.

Radiographic features

Rhinoliths are usually unilateral and solitary, and most commonly between the inferior meatus and the nasal septum. 

These lesions appear as a densely calcified mass in the nasal cavity, with displacement and expansion or destruction of the adjacent bony landmarks.

Some of the remote complications include perforation of the hard palate bony destruction, and expansion of the stone into the maxillary sinus, facial tetanus, or septal perforation.

Differential diagnosis

1. paranasal osteoma
2. nasal tooth