Presentation
Newly born with respiratory distress.
Patient Data
Narrowing of the posterior choana on both sides (TS diameter on the right posterior choana 2.4mm and on the left 1.8mm), with thick vomer, medial convergence of the medial maxillary walls and thin transverse bony septae obstructing their apertures, associated with retained secretions within the posterior nasal cavity.
Findings are impressive of bilateral choanal atresia.
Case Discussion
Choanal atresia refers to a lack of formation of the choanae, the openings providing communication between the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. It can be unilateral or bilateral.
Radiographic features on CT include:
a uni- or bilateral posterior nasal narrowing with an obstruction
-
airway less than 3 mm
measurement is done at the reference level of the pterygoid plates in the axial plane
an air-fluid level above the obstruction point
thickening of the vomer
medial bowing of posterior maxillary sinus
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