Unilateral choanal atresia in an adult

Abstract

Introduction: Choanal atresia is a rare anomaly of the nasal cavity, which is associated with other congenital malformations in half of the cases. The diagnosis is usually made immediately after birth, but late diagnoses are not rare in otorhinolaryngology practice. Case report: We are presenting the case of an eighteen-year-old woman with a history of difficulty in breathing through her left nostril that lasted for many years, increased secretion from the nostril and frequent headaches. During preoperative preparation, computerized tomography of the paranasal sinuses revealed left-sided choanal atresia and obstruction in the region of the left osteomeatal complex, which was then successfully resolved using a modern surgical approach. She was observed postoperatively. A control examination with an endoscope was performed one month after the operation, indicating that both choanae were passable. Choanal atresia can be an isolated craniofacial malformation or associated with CHARGE, Teacher Collins, Down, Crouson and Pfeiffer syndromes. Bilateral choanal atresias are life-threatening. Unilateral choanal atresias can present with a variety of symptoms depending on the type of atresia and the age of the patient. Conclusion: The diagnosis is made with a clinical otorhinolaryngological examination, nasal endoscopy and computerized tomography of the paranasal sinuses and the skull base. The therapy is surgical.