Nasal Cavity: The Nares and Nasal Passages

10.1055/b-0034-87900

**Table 4.37 Opacification**
Diagnosis	Findings	Comments
Choanal atresia/stenosis Fig. 4.134	CT: measure width of both posterior choanae at maximum stenosis and width of the inferoposterior vomer, which is abnormally widened.	Most common congenital abnormality of nasal cavity. Bony/membranous/mixed. Severe respiratory compromise if bilateral. Choanal airspace < 0.34 cm. Inability to pass naso-gastric tube 3–4 cm into nose.
Foreign body Fig. 4.135	Lateral/AP radiograph: visible if radiopaque ± soft-tissue swelling.
Hypertrophied nasal turbinate Fig. 4.136	Lateral radiograph: soft-tissue mass encroaching on nasopharynx. Coronal CT/MRI: Asymmetry of turbinates is well demonstrated. No demonstrable air between wall and turbinate.	Can cause nasal airway obstruction. May be physiological nasal cycle.
Polyp Fig. 4.137	Radiograph: vague soft-tissue density in nasal fossa. CT/MRI: discrete single or multiple broad-based masses.	Uncommon in children. Associated with cystic fibrosis. If multiple, does not destroy septa.
Ossifying fibroma Fig. 4.138	CT: expansile, well-circumscribed lesion that ossifies starting around the periphery with central nonossified fibrous tissue.	Grows aggressively and may recur postsurgery.
Neoplasm (malignancy)	Extension into nasal cavity from sinus/pharyngeal/orbital tumor.	(see Table 4.39 )