Unilateral choanal atresia in siblings--a rare occurrence

The genetic aspects of choanal atresia have not been clearly defined though it is probably a multifactorial trait as in cleft lip and cleft palate. The appearance of the condition in both single and successive generations supports this contention. Choanal atresia can occur as an isolated anomaly, but is more commonly associated with one or more concomitant congenital anomalies. In this report two sisters both in their teens presented with unilateral choanal atresia as an isolated anomaly. Endoscopic trans-nasal repair of choanal atresia was performed in both of them as this offers excellent visualisation and access.