Rhinolithiasis: a very late complication after dacryocystorhinostomy with rubber-gum and polyethylene stenting.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To describe a rare case of rhinolith formation 21 years after dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with rubber gum and polyethylene tubing surgery.

DESIGN:

Interventional case report.

METHODS:

A 23-year-old-woman underwent uneventful left DCR with rubber gum and polyethylene tubing for chronic dacryocystitis. Twenty-one years later, she presented with purulent rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, and facial pain. Computed tomography revealed a radiopaque density in the left nasal cavity.

RESULTS:

A rubber gum foreign body embedded with granulation tissue and a huge rhinolith was removed endoscopically through the anterior nares. After surgery, the patient reported immediate and complete relief of symptoms.

CONCLUSION:

Rhinoliths can develop progressively several years after DCR as a result of foreign body reaction to rubber gum or polyethylene tubing. This rare complication should be ruled out in patients complaining of purulent rhinorrhea who underwent DCR with tubing before the early 1980s.

• Authors: Jaime Levy, Tova Monos, Moshe Puterman
• Journal: American journal of ophthalmology (Am J Ophthalmol) Vol. 138 Issue 6 Pg. 1065-7 (Dec 2004) ISSN: 0002-9394 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15629312 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Polyethylene
• Rubber

Topics

• Adult
• Chronic Disease
• Dacryocystitis (surgery)
• Dacryocystorhinostomy
• Female
• Foreign Bodies (complications, diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Humans
• Intubation
• Lithiasis (diagnostic imaging, etiology, surgery)
• Paranasal Sinus Diseases (diagnostic imaging, etiology, surgery)
• Polyethylene
• Postoperative Complications
• Rubber
• Stents
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed