Presentation
History of recurrent rhinorrhea from the right nose since early childhood. Physical examination showed no air passage through the right nose.
Patient Data
Thin hyperdense septum across the right posterior choanal opening with hypertrophy of vomer.
Mucosal thickening in the right nasal cavity anterior to the obstruction, as well as in the left ethmoidal sinus.
Asymmetric atrophy of the right-sided turbinates.
Case Discussion
Choanal atresia is a congenital obstruction of the posterior choanae of the nasal cavity. It can be unilateral or bilateral. It can be either bony or membranous.
Bilateral choanal atresia is detected in early life due to airway obstruction that results in cyanosis when the baby is not crying or mouth breathing. Unilateral choanal atresia on the other hand may stay undiagnosed until late childhood, as in this case.
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