Congenital choanal atresia.

We have treated a total of 15 patients (11 girls, 4 boys) for choanal atresia in the University Department of Otorhinolaryngology during a period of 15 years from 1963-1976. No other cases occurred in their families. One patients is mentally retarded, whereas none of the others have had other congenital defects. Five patients (4 girls, 1 boy) had bilateral choanal atresia. In all 5 cases, the birthweight was low, in 2 patients below 2500 g. Immediately after birth these infants presented severe problems, becoming cyanosed bordering on asphyxiation. Ten patients (7 girls, 3 boys) had unilateral choanal atresia, 7 of them on the right side. The more common symptoms were unilateral persistent purulent nasal secretion, obstruction of one side of the nose, and disturbed sleep, especially with upper respiratory infections.