Choanal atresia

Case contributed by Jeremy Jones
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Respiratory distress in a neonate with cyanosis.

Patient Data

Age: Neonate
ct

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

Annotated image

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. 

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