This site is targeted at medical and radiology professionals, contains user contributed content, and material that may be confusing to a lay audience. Use of this site implies acceptance of our Terms of Use.

Choanal atresia

Case contributed by: Dr Jeremy Jones

Presentation:

Respiratory distress in a neonate with cyanosis.

Patient Data:

Age: Neonate
Race: Caucasian
Modality: CT

The posterior nasal passage is narrowed and mucosa completely occludes it bilaterally. 

Annotated image

Modality: Annotated image

Soft tissue completely occludes both nasal passages (red arrows) with an air fluid level seen on the left. 

Case Discussion:

Choanal atresia may be unilateral or bilateral. In this case, there is bony narrowing with mucosal obstruction of the choana bilaterally causing respiratory distress and requiring intubation and ventilation.

The patient proceeded to surgery and made an uncomplicated recovery. 

Updating… Please wait.
Loadinganimation

 Details successfully updated.

Error Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.