Unilateral choanal atresia masquerading as chronic sinusitis.
Choanal atresia is a congenital anomaly usually diagnosed at birth. This case involves bilateral choanal atresia in a newborn with respiratory difficulties in whom there is an inability to pass a #8 French catheter through the nose. In contrast, unilateral choanal atresia causes a variable degree of nasal obstruction that may delay the diagnosis. We report a case of unilateral choanal atresia in a 9-year-old boy diagnosed as having chronic sinusitis with allergic rhinitus. Initial interpretation of a computerized, tomographic (CT) examination confirmed the diagnosis of chronic sinusitis. The definitive diagnosis, however, was made by endoscopic evaluation. A review is presented of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and contemporary surgical management for unilateral choanal atresia.
Rothman
G
G
Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, Baltimore, Maryland 21287.
Wood
R A
RA
Naclerio
R M
RM
D002648:Child; D002754:Choanal Atresia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed