Computed tomography in the evaluation of choanal atresia

Nine patients with choanal atresia or stenosis, ranging in age from two days to 6 years were evaluated by computer tomography (CT). The clinical, conventional radiographic and surgical findings were correlated with CT findings. In all patients, the complete anatomic abnormality and the thickness of the obstruction were better defined with CT than with a choanogram. Findings on CT included: thickening of the vomer, bowing of the lateral wall of the nasal cavity and fusion of bony elements in the choanal region. This information is essential in planning surgical correction.