Endoscopic Management of Rhinolithiasis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: This study reviews the presentation, management, and outcomes of patients with rhinolithiasis.

Data sources: An electronic database search of PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library was performed in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 updated guidelines for reporting systematic reviews.

Review methods: Case reports and case series published from 2004 to 2020 were included. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical symptoms at presentation, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and follow-up. Relevant descriptive statistics were computed using Microsoft Excel 2013 (Microsoft Corp).

Results: Fifty-five case reports and five case series were included (n = 122). The majority were female (60.7%). The mean age was 29.4 years (range, 4-80 years). The most common symptoms were rhinorrhea (81.1%), nasal obstruction (79.5%), nasal malodor (38.5%), and headache (27.9%). Computed tomography imaging was obtained in 109 (91.5%) cases. Concurrent rhinosinusitis (35.2%) and deviated nasal septum (28.7%) were commonly identified. Rhinoliths were commonly found in the right nostril (52.5%) and in between the inferior turbinate and nasal septum (26.9%). All rhinoliths were fully excised using endoscopic sinonasal surgery, accompanied by a septoplasty (9.2%). The nidus was identified in 27 (22.2%) patients. There were no recurrences or complications over an average follow-up of 8.5 months (range, 0.25-36 months).

Conclusion: Rhinolithiasis is an uncommon entity of the nasal cavity and should be suspected in patients with long-standing unilateral nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and nasal malodor. Rigid nasal endoscopy and endoscopic sinonasal surgery are the most important methods for diagnosis and treatment, respectively.

Keywords: endoscopic sinonasal surgery; intranasal foreign body; nasal endoscopy; rhinolith; systematic review.