Comparison of nasal region dimensions in bilateral choanal atresia patients and normal controls: a computed tomographic analysis with clinical implications.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if any difference exists between a set of nasal dimension measurements in choanal atresia patients and in a control group.
METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken to define the variation of values for a series of nasal dimension measurements through axial computed tomography in 9 patients with bilateral choanal atresia and compare the same dimensions with a control group 104 patients of similar gender and age distribution. The statistical significance of the differences in these dimensions was examined.
RESULTS: Nine of 17 variables showed a significant difference between normal and choanal atresia group. The result showed that the growth of the nasal complex can be influenced by nasal obstruction.
CONCLUSION: These findings might serve in understanding the differential growth patterns of nasal structures in the face of the nasal breathing obstruction. Computed tomography is valuable in defining the exact anatomical extent of the disease and also in preoperative evaluation of the patient.