Imaging Science in Dentistry

Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (대한영상치의학회)
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Rhinolith: An incidental radiographic finding

  • Maheshwari, Nisha (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, CWRU School of Dental Medicine Dental Clinic) ;
  • Etikaala, Badirinath (Alqua Health Care Center) ;
  • Syed, Ali Z. (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, CWRU School of Dental Medicine Dental Clinic)
  • Received : 2020.05.23
  • Accepted : 2021.05.12
  • Published : 2021.09.30
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Abstract

Rhinoliths are foreign bodies composed of mineralised deposits in the nasal cavity that are rarely encountered in routine dental practice. The current report presents a case of a 77-year-old female patient who visited a dental treatment centre for a routine dental check-up and prophylaxis. On the clinical examination, the patient did not report any breathing difficulty, nasal obstruction, or any form of discharge. Panoramic radiography showed a horizontally magnified radiopaque structure in the right nasal fossa region. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealed a hyperdense entity with a laminated presentation in the right nasal fossa. The hyperdense entity was diagnosed as a rhinolith based on the radiographic findings. Although the patient was asymptomatic, a referral was made to an ear, nose, and throat surgeon for a further evaluation. This report highlights the importance of CBCT imaging in the diagnosis of soft-tissue calcifications.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank Dr. Kathryn Apotsos for allowing this case report to be published.

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