Isolated Congenital Supernumerary Nostril in an Adult Patient

Abstract

The supernumerary nostril is a congenital accessory nostril, which is considered to be one of the rarest congenital nasal anomalies with an unknown etiology. We present the first case of a supernumerary nostril in an adult Saudi patient, which is the first such isolated case to be reported among the Middle Eastern Arab countries. An 18-year-old Saudi woman presented to the facial plastic clinic of King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, with a complaint of an additional small left nasal opening since birth. She underwent circumferential surgical excision of the accessory nostril and its entire tract, following which the overlying skin was sutured. The patient appeared fine postoperatively with a satisfactory nasal appearance. In conclusion, patients with supernumerary nostrils should be thoroughly assessed to eliminate the presence of any other associated congenital anomalies. Early diagnosis and surgical management can facilitate a better reconstructive outcome.

Successful Noninvasive Respiratory Management of an Infant with Bilateral Choanal Atresia and a Supernumerary Nostril Located on the Columella by a Mouthpiece: A Case Report

“…Supernumerary nostril may be associated with other malformations or disease [ 1 , 8 ] According to Franco et al, other congenital malformations were found in 45% of patients with a supernumerary nostril [ 8 ]. The coincident malformations included complete unilateral cleft lip, congenital cataract, esophageal atresia, imperforate anus and patent ductus arteriosus, osteoma of the ethmoid sinus, and congenital adrenal hyper-plasia [ 1 , 8 ]. Choanal atresia can also be associated with other malformations or disease [ 3 , 9 ].…”

“…Choanal atresia is an uncommon congenital disorder in which the back of the nasal passage (choana) is blocked, usually by abnormal bony or soft tissue (membranous) due to failed recanalization of the nasal fossae during fetal development [ 1 – 3 ]. The incidence of congenital choanal atresia is about 1: 5000 to 1: 8000 [ 1 , 2 ]. A supernumerary nostril is a much rarer congenital anomaly with an unknown etiology [ 4 ].…”

“…There were no cases with choanal atresia and a supernumerary nostril located on the columella. The exact underlying pathogenesis of these congenital malformations is still unclear [ 1 , 2 , 4 ].…”