Case report

Bilateral choanal atresia in a newborn infant

Mladen Jašić orcid.org/0000-0002-8464-6452 ; Department of Pediatrics, General Hospital Pula, Pula
Mirna Milevoj Ražem ; Department of Pediatrics, General Hospital Pula, Pula
Ivana Štrk ; Department of Pediatrics, General Hospital Pula, Pula
Irena Barbarić ; Johanniter Jugend- und Kinderklinik, Stendal, Njemačka

Abstract

Aim: Bilateral nasal obstruction in neonates is a potentially fatal condition since neonates are obligatory nasal breathers. Congenital choanal atresia is a result of the persistence of the embryological bucconasal membrane, which separates the nasal cavity and the nasopharynx in the early embryological developement. The aim of this article is to present this rare anomaly which can be lethal in neonatal period. Case report: A female neonate was born at General Hospital Pula and soon after birth signs of respiratory distress and intermittent cyanosis could be seen. Since clinical condition and oxygen saturation on room air improved when crying, the billateral choanal atresia was suspected. Oropharyngeal airway was inserted to make the airway patent. Insertion of a feeding tube via the nostrils was not possible. Otorinolaringologist was consulted and confirmed the diagnosis. The infant was transfered to a tertiary pediatric center where CT scan of the choanal region was performed, showing membranous billateral choanal atresia. The transnasal endoscopic operation was performed and stents were put in the nostrils. Stents were removed after 11 days. The child was released home in good condition without any signs of respiratory compromise in the follow up period of 2 years. Conclusions: Billateral choanal atresia is a neonatal emergency. The anomaly can be surgically corrected.

Keywords

choanal atresia; endoscopy; neonate; transnasal approach

Hrčak ID:

158636

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/158636

Publication date:

1.6.2016.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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