title: Computed tomography in choanal atresia.
abstract: Computed tomography is replacing contrast radiography as the method of choice in evaluating congenital posterior choanal atresia. Careful preparation of the patient, however, is necessary prior to the examination in order to obtain the maximum of information pre-operatively. We present patients with inadequate preparation and illustrate their misleading scans. The proper method of examination is discussed, with a review of the literature; it is essential to remove nasal secretions by suction and instill vasoconstrictor nose drops, shortly before scanning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital for Sick Children, London.
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Kearns
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wickstead
authors.forename: D I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Choa
authors.forename: R N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Leitch
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Evans
mesh_terms: D002754:Choanal Atresia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed