1Assistant Professor, Department of E.N.T, Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences, Hapur, U.P, India
2Junior Resident, Department of Medicine, G.S Medical College and Hospital, Hapur, U.P, India
3Post Graduate 3rd, Department of E.N.T, Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences, Hapur, U.P, India
4Senior Resident, Department of E.N.T, Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences, Hapur, U.P, India
5Professor and H.O.D, Department of E.N.T, Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences, Hapur, U.P, India
*Corresponding author: Dr. Abhay Kumar Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of E.N.T, Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences, Hapur, U.P, India
Online published on 4 February, 2019.
Rhinolithiasis is an uncommon condition. It is usually confused with both benign and malignant nasal tumors. They have various clinical presentations.
We report a rare case of rhinolith due to inhalation of industrial fumes. The patient presented to the OPD of Saraswathi institute of medical sciences, hospital with history of nasal obstruction, yellowish nasal discharge, frequent headache and epistaxis of 3 months duration. The patient was an industrial worker by profession and gave history of inhalation of industrial fumes (zinc oxide). After taking a thorough history of the patient local examination including anterior rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopy was carried out. Nasal endoscopy revealed a greyish irregular densely impacted solid mass. Computed tomography (CT) scan of nose and paranasal sinuses showed a radiopaque mass in right and left side of nasal cavity. Rhinolith was removed endoscopically under general anaesthesia, leading to the complete resolution of his symptoms.
Diagnosis of rhinolithiasis can be made by keeping a strong suspicion based upon history and symptoms. The current case report shows the importance of rigid nasal endoscopy and radiological assessment in diagnosis and management of rhinolith.
Rhinolith, rhinolithiasis, Metallic rhinoliths, Zinc oxide
