P M Behar1, N W Todd. 1. Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although the determinates of paranasal sinus development and sinusitis are not well defined, a candidate factor is blockage of the choana. HYPOTHESIS: Maxillary sinuses ipsilateral to unilateral choanal atresia are comparatively small and have more evidence of sinusitis than do the contralateral sinuses. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Children's hospitals. PATIENTS: Sixteen nonsyndomic children with isolated unilateral congenital choanal atresia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 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. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that maxillary sinus development and sinusitis are independent of posterior nasal ventilation and drainage.
BACKGROUND: Although the determinates of paranasal sinus development and sinusitis are not well defined, a candidate factor is blockage of the choana. HYPOTHESIS: Maxillary sinuses ipsilateral to unilateral choanal atresia are comparatively small and have more evidence of sinusitis than do the contralateral sinuses. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING:Children's hospitals. PATIENTS: Sixteen nonsyndomic children with isolated unilateral congenital choanal atresia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 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. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that maxillary sinus development and sinusitis are independent of posterior nasal ventilation and drainage.