Congenital Hydrocephalus, Corpus Callosum Agenesis, and Prosencephalic Cyst with Supernumerary Nostril: A Neurocristopathy

Supernumerary Nostril: A Rare Anomaly

Supernumerary nostril or accessory nostril is a very rare congenital abnormality of nose. Less than 50 cases of same have been reported in English literature so far. In this study, the author present case of a 7-year-old female who had isolated supernumerary right nostril.

Nasal Duplication: A Review of Literature and Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Nasal duplication is a rare congenital deformity with many subtypes including supernumerary nostril. The challenge of surgical correction is to achieve nasal symmetry and restore nasal airflow. However, there is no defined protocol for treatment, especially with regard to presurgical therapy.

METHODS

We performed a review of literature of studies reporting on patients with supernumerary nostril to complete this review. We then report on a patient with supernumerary nostril who was treated with nostril expansion therapy prior to surgical intervention.

RESULTS

We identified 59 cases of nostril duplication. Because of the rarity of the condition, treatment protocols varied greatly. For our patient, preoperative nasal appliance therapy was implemented for 3 months prior to surgical intervention. Patient was followed-up regularly for 1 year.

DISCUSSION

Although literature on nasal duplication is scarce, there is a general agreement that early intervention has psychological, anatomic, and functional benefits to the patient. In our case report, nostril expansion therapy was easy to implement and facilitated surgical reconstruction, resulting in aesthetic outcome and expanded airway 1 year postoperatively.

Isolated Congenital Supernumerary Nostril in an Adult Patient

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.