GOOD NEWS: We have fixed the DICOM uploading problem. New cases should work fine. More info radiopaedia.org/chat

Choanal atresia

Case contributed by Mostafa Elfeky
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Recurrent difficulty in breathing, asymptomatic most of the time.

Patient Data

Age: 3 years
Gender: Female

CT paranasal sinuses

ct

Narrowing of the right posterior chonana with convergence of its bony walls including the posterior segment of the bony nasal septum and bony bridge completely obstructs its aperture. This is associated with retained secretions and mucosal thickening of the right compartment of nasal cavity. Consequent secondary widening of the left sided posterior choana is noted.

Case Discussion

Choanal atresia usually presents in neonates. It is one of the commonest causes of nasal obstruction in neonates and infants. It is more commoner in females and unilateral. Unilateral choanal atresia present late and can be asymptomatic or present with rhinorrhea while bilateral atresias can present with neonatal respiratory distress. Osseous obstruction of the posterior choana is the most common type (90%).

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

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

 Thank you for updating your details.