A rare case report of supernumerary nostril in an infant: clinical presentation, surgical management, and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND

IMPORTANCE

Supernumerary nostril is an exceedingly rare congenital malformation characterized by the presence of an accessory nostril in addition to the normal nasal openings. The anomaly may or may not communicate with the nasal cavity.

CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 7-month-old female infant presenting with a tubular structure superior to the left nasal ala, consistent with a supernumerary nostril. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the face demonstrated a blind-ending soft-tissue tubular tract without communication to the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. There were no encephaloceles, bone deformities, or other midline anomalies identified. The tract was completely excised, and the left nasal ala was reconstructed with layered primary closure. Histopathology confirmed ciliated respiratory epithelium lining the tract. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. At 12-month follow-up, the patient demonstrated satisfactory cosmetic symmetry and no evidence of recurrence.

DISCUSSION: Early recognition and surgical management of supernumerary nostrils are important to optimize functional and aesthetic outcomes. Detailed preoperative imaging is valuable to exclude intracranial or intranasal communication and to plan reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

Given its rarity, each reported case enriches current understanding of clinical variability and management strategies.