Rhinolith may hide intranasal ectopic tooth

CT revealed tooth-specific anatomy within a calcified nasal lesion in a patient with persistent unilateral discharge and epistaxis.

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A 45-year-old man had 6 months of foul-smelling right-sided nasal discharge and intermittent mild epistaxis.
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Endoscopy showed a hard, irregular mass on the right nasal cavity floor, partly surrounded by calcified material.
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CT demonstrated a tooth-like structure with enamel, dentin, and a central pulp cavity, surrounded by calcifications consistent with a rhinolith.
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Endoscopic transnasal removal of the ectopic tooth and rhinolith was uncomplicated, and the patient’s symptoms resolved.
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The authors noted that CT characterizes ectopic tooth morphology and location, while endoscopy enables direct visualization and surgical management.

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