Paranasal sinus development and choanal atresia.
BACKGROUND
Although the determinates of paranasal sinus development and sinusitis are not well defined, a candidate factor is blockage of the choana.


OBJECTIVE
Maxillary sinuses ipsilateral to unilateral choanal atresia are comparatively small and have more evidence of sinusitis than do the contralateral sinuses.


METHODS
Retrospective.


METHODS
Children's hospitals.


METHODS
Sixteen nonsyndomic children with isolated unilateral congenital choanal atresia.


METHODS
Determination of maxillary sinus volumes and mucoperiosteal thickening on preoperative computed tomograms.


RESULTS
Maxillary sinuses ipsilateral to unilateral choanal atresia have slightly larger volumes than, and mucoperiosteal thickening that is similar to, the contralateral sinuses.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that maxillary sinus development and sinusitis are independent of posterior nasal ventilation and drainage.
Behar
P M
PM
Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Todd
N W
NW
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002754:Choanal Atresia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed