[Rhinolithiasis: review about 18 cases].

OBJECTIVE

This study reports 18 cases of rhinolithiasis.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

They were diagnosed and treated between 1990 and 2004.

RESULTS

The population is mainly composed of adults (55%), female, and coming very often from unfavourable socio-economic conditions. This pathology is rarely asymptomatic. It comprises mainly a unilateral chronic rhinitis sometimes stinking and bloody. The diagnosis is made with nasal endoscopy which is characteristic. The CT scan is very interesting for a local assessment and shows associated lesions. Extraction by natural approach ways more often under local anaesthesia was the usual therapeutic process. Rhinolitis were of 5 to 50 mms diameter with only 3 associated foreign bodies (16%). Complications are rare (epistaxis: 11%).

CONCLUSION

according to the review of the literature the outcome is generally favourable. (full article translated in English available on www.ent-review.com).