Computed Tomography Findings in Congenital Choanal Atresia

Objective: Congenital choanal atresia is the total unilateral or bilateral obstruction of posterior choanae that connect the nasal cavity with the nasopharynx. The aim of this study was to investigate and analyse the computed tomography findings in such cases. Material and Methods: Computed tomography images and medical records of 30 children (21F: 9M, age range 1 day to 2 years, mean age 14 days) diagnosed with congenital choanal atresia between 2005 and 2013 were retrospectively reevaluated by using the Picture Archiving and Communications System. results: Among 30 congenital choanal atresia cases, 17 (57%) were bilateral and 13 (43%) were unilateral. There were 7 (23.3%) membranous, 7 (23.3%) mixed and 16 (53.3%) bony atresia cases. Associated congenital anomalies were found in 54% of unilateral and in 70% of bilateral cases. At least four of the six criteria of the CHARGE association were present in 6 of the bilateral and 4 of the unilateral cases (total 33%). conclusion: Choanal atresia was found to be more commonly bilateral and usually of the bony type in our series. Other congenital anomalies were found to frequently accompany congenital choanal atresia, especially when bilateral. Computed tomography is a valuable and easily accessible diagnostic tool and should be the modality of choice to evaluate neonates with nasal obstruction.