NEONATAL NASAL OBSTRUCTION
Volume -2
Chapter -23
Pages -251-261
Presenter-Dr.Lathika MS PG II yr
Moderator-

INTRODUCTION
• The etiology of neonatal nasal obstruction is
diverse.
• Neonates are generally obligate nasal breathers
for the first few months of life, and therefore they
can present as acute respiratory emergencies,
classically with cyclical cyanosis, relieved by
crying.
• The extent of their problems related to the
neonate’s ability to breathe orally which is
dependent on their maturity and neurological
development.

INTRODUCTION
• Thus, an oral airway is often sufficient to
relieve the respiratory distress until definitive
treatment can be undertaken.
• Neonates with nasal obstruction may also
present with stertor and feeding problems.
Failure to thrive particularly raises level of
concern.

Examination is essential!
• Flexible nasal endoscopy is particularly useful
• Imaging via computed tomography (CT) and
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is of great
value in delineating both nasal and post-nasal
lesions.

Congenital causes

CONGENITAL DISORDERS
Skeletal anomalies
CHOANAL ATRESIA
• This is a rare condition (incidence 1 in 7000 live
births)- complete obstruction of the posterior
choanae on one or both sides
• The blockage is either bony or membranous in origin,
a mixed picture is usually seen (70% of cases), with
the remainder being purely bony.
• It is believed to be secondary to persistence of the
nasobuccal membrane.

• Bilateral choanal atresia in neonates presents as acute respiratory
distress as neonates are obligate nasal breathers.
• Classically , cyclical cyanosis relieved by crying, and placement of an
appropriatesized oral airway resolves the distress.
• Unilateral choanal atresia may present later in life, and there is an inability
to pass a nasogastric tube through one nasal passageway.

• Neonates with choanal atresia will have difficulty with
feeding.
• The uvula and epiglottis usually form a respiratory
channel from the nose to the larynx with two lateral
pathways from the mouth to the oesophagus to allow for
the safe passage of food.
• In neonates with bilateral choanal atresia this respiratory
channel is lost and therefore cyanosis can develop during
feeds.

• McGovern nipples have been shown to to be of benefit for
children who develop feeding difficulties.
• Misting upon placement of a metal spatula below the
neonate’s external nasal aperture excludes a diagnosis of
choanal atresia, and this test can easily be performed in the
clinic setting.

• If suspected, the diagnosis should be confirmed with flexible
nasendoscopy, and CT scanning should then be performed to determine
the extent and nature of the choanal atresia (with suction clearance of the
nose and application of 0.5% ephedrine drops 30 minutes prior to
scanning.
• In neonates, often a simple oral airway is well tolerated, in which case
endotracheal intubation can be avoided.

CHARGE SYNDROME
• CHARGE syndrome, due to
mutations in the CHD7 gene
on chromosome 8.
• Therefore the minimum
investigations in addition to
the nasal CT scan are
• cardiac echo,
• renal ultrasound scan, and
• ophthalmology
• audiology review.

Surgical management-
various approaches
• The two most common techniques for choanal atresia repair are the transnasal
and transpalatal approaches.
• But the sublabial, transantral and transseptal approaches have also been
described.
• Transpalatal and transnasal surgery have been shown to have similar outcomes.
• Transpalatal technique is not as common now, but it can be useful in craniofacial
anomalies where the dimensions of the nose and postnasal space are limited.
TRANSPALATAL APPROACH

• There are two methods described for the endoscopic transnasal approach.
One involves using the zero degree endoscope transnasally, with serial
dilatations using urethral sounds or using powered instruments such as
microdrills.
• In cases where the nasal cavity is too small to accommodate both
instruments a posterior septal window is created and expanded, thus
allowing the endoscope through one nostril and the powered instrument
through the other nostril, creating a ‘neo-unichoana’.
TRANSNASAL APPROACH

• The second transnasal
approach involves a
120-degree endoscope
being placed in the
mouth and positioned
in the nasopharynx
behind the soft palate
to give a view of the
postnasal space.
• Instruments and the
drill can then be
introduced through the
nose.
USING 120’ ENDOSCOPE

• There are reports in the literature of
high success rates using the
endoscopic endonasal approach with
balloon dilatation for choanal atresia,
although the numbers involved in
these series are still quite small.
• The role of nasal stenting post choanal
atresia repair is also debated. If used,
bilateral nasal stents can be fashioned
from two ivory Portex™ endotracheal
tubes cut to length with the bevelled
end of each sitting in the nasopharynx
orientated towards the septum.
• The philtrum is protected by either a
small length of size 12 suction catheter
cut to act as a bridging piece or a
further small piece of endotracheal
tube.
• The stents are secured by a
circumseptal ‘0’ prolene suture and left
in situ for up to 6 weeks
Bilateral nasal stents with an endotracheal
tube bridging piece.

REGULAR SUCTIONING!
• A systematic review with metaanalysis has shown that the success rates
for bilateral choanal atresia repair are similar with and without nasal
stents, and that the use of stents may be associated with more
complications
• There is evidence that regular suctioning to clear secretions and daily
washing with sodium chloride solution results in successful outcomes.
• Authors who do not support using stents stress the need for resection of
the posterior aspect of the vomer and early (1 week post repair) repeat
examination for removal of granulations and dilatation as required.

Mitomycin C and KTP Laser
• Is thought to reduce granulation tissue and fibrosis
by inhibiting fibroblasts and angiogenesis leading to
its use during stent removal.
• However, several papers have found no benefit in
terms of outcomes whether mitomycin c is used or
not.
• However, that mitomycin does have beneficial
effects.
• The ktp laser has also been shown to be helpful in
the treatment of granulation tissue which develops
post-operatively.

PIRIFORM APERTURE STENOSIS
• This abnormality, first described in 1988, is a very rare condition leading to nasal
obstruction in the neonate which arises due to bony overgrowth of the nasal
process of the maxilla .
• The piriform aperture is the narrowest part of the nasal airway and so even
minimal reduction in diameter here can cause significant problems.
• Symptoms similar to bilateral choanal atresia occur and epiphora is also often seen
secondary to bony involvement of the nasolacrimal ducts. Diagnosis is suggested
by the inability to pass a narrow gauge nasogastric tube or 2.2 mm endoscope
through the anterior nasal vestibule due to the bony obstruction.
CT scan (axial view) of
bilateral piriform
aperture stenosis

DIAGNOSIS
• CT scan confirms the diagnosis with an aperture width of less than 11 mm
measured on an axial CT at the level of the inferior meatus (in a term
neonate). CT can also demonstrate a single central incisor, which exists in
some affected individuals.
• This single central incisor is associated with an absent upper frenulum
and arch-shaped lower lip. In this subgroup with a ‘megaincisor’ there is
a suggested association with holoprosencepaly, a rare condition in which the
developing forebrain fails to divide appropriately to form the cerebral
hemispheres, diencephalon, and optic and olfactory bulbs.
• These patients should undergo further evaluation for central nervous system
defects with an MRI and particularly the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid
axis.

Note the single central incisor.
MEGAINCISOR

• There are variable reports on the incidence rates of this
condition with piriform aperture stenosis, but a figure of
around 50% is generally accepted.
• Conservative treatment with nasal steroid drops or
decongestants (for up to 2 weeks) and saline irrigation is
generally recommended as first-line treatment.
• If there is severe obstruction, respiratory distress or failure to
thrive, surgical treatment is warranted.
• It has also been found that an aperture of less than 5 mm on
CT is almost always associated with the need for surgical
intervention.
• Bilateral nasal stents with an endotracheal tube bridging
piece.

SURGICAL MANAGEMENT
• Surgery involves either a transnasal approach with an alar-
releasing incision or
• a sublabial approach with a gingival–buccal sulcus incision and
elevation of the soft tissue and periosteum to expose the
piriform aperture.
• The abnormal bone is drilled away using a diamond burr and
the mucoperiosteal flap replaced.

POST OP -FOLLOWUP
• Post-operatively nasal stents can be used for up
to 4 weeks, although more recent studies suggest
that stenting is not necessary.
• Complications include
Adhesions,
Septal perforations and
Septal ulceration.
• The use of suctioning, nasal irrigation and
treating gastro-oesophageal reflux minimizes this

MIDNASAL STENOSIS
• Midnasal stenosis is a rare condition secondary to overgrowth of the nasal
bones halfway along the nasal cavity.
• It usually occurs in association with syndromes characterized by midfacial
hypoplasia, such as Apert syndrome, but cases in isolation are also
reported.
• Neonates will present in a similar fashion to those with piriform aperture
stenosis or choanal atresia with apnoea, cyanosis and failure to thrive.
• Diagnosis can be confirmed with nasal endoscopy or CT
scanning which will demonstrate isolated bony narrowing of the midpart
of the nasal cavity or narrowing with stenosis of the rest of the nasal cavity
• Treatment is usually conservative, allowing the child’s midface to grow,
such that by the age of 6 months the obstruction is relieved.
•
• For those children struggling with significant respiratory problems or
failure to thrive, dilatations or stent placement can be considered.

Midnasal stenosis associated with a
patient with Apert syndrome

NASAL AGENESIS
• Complete arhinia is very rare but can occur in isolation or
as part of a syndrome.
• It originates at the fifth week in utero when the nasal
placode fails to canalize to form the nasal passages.
• Presentation at birth with acute respiratory distress occurs.
• Management is initially with an oral airway and tube
feeding.
• A tracheostomy may be required.
• Definitive surgical treatment usually involves a two-staged
procedure aimed at reconstructing the nasal cavity as well
as the external nose, and is usually delayed until facial
development is almost complete.

Congenital nasal cysts
DERMOID CYST
• Dermoid cysts arise from the ectoderm and mesoderm
and usually contain all the structures of normal skin.
• They are the most common midline nasal mass, and
account for between 1% and 3% of all dermoids.
• Occasionally these dermoids can become infected and
thus present as an abscess requiring drainage.
• Between 4% and 45% of dermoid cysts have an
intracranial component, thus pre-operative imaging
with CT (for bony anatomy) and MRI (to delineate any
connection to the central nervous system) is essential.

DERMOID CYST
• These cysts usually present as a slowly growing cystic midline
mass over the nasal dorsum. An associated pit is often seen in
any position from the nasal tip to the glabella, and hair may
be present at its opening.

NASOLACRIMAL DUCT CYST (DACRYOCYSTOCOELE)
• The nasolacrimal duct system should canalize in utero from a
superior to inferior direction and is usually complete by the
sixth foetal month through a process of reabsorption;
• however, not infrequently, at birth the lower end can remain
closed.
• This barrier can be combined with a proximal valve-like
obstruction at the junction of the common canaliculus and
lacrimal sac, thus the tear fluid builds up resulting in a cyst.
• This is a common problem for neonates and it is reported that
5–30% of babies are born with nasolacrimal duct blockage.

DACRYOCYSTOCOELE
• These lesions can cause epiphora and nasal obstruction, sometimes
leading to respiratory distress and feeding difficulties, and may
present with a bluish cystic mass at the medial canthus.
• They are more commonly unilateral but can be bilateral, and their
incidence is slightly higher in female infants.
• CT imaging confirms the diagnosis and shows a dilated nasolacrimal
duct, an intranasal cyst and cystic dilatation of the lacrimal sac.
• Initial management is with nasal decongestants but, if surgical
removal is required, endonasal marsupialization under endoscopic
guidance is recommended.
• Endonasal ablation with the carbon dioxide laser has also been
• reported previously.
• Opthalmology input is helpful as intra-operative nasolacrimal
probing and stenting may be necessary.

THORNWALDT CYST
• The pharyngeal recess or bursa sits in the midline of the posterior
wall of the nasopharynx.
• It ends next to the adenoids and is lined by the pharyngeal mucous
membrane.
• Cystic transformation of this recess was first described by
Thornwaldt in 1885 and so it bears his name.
• Inflammation of the lesion causes nasal obstruction, occipital pain,
fullness in the ears and discharge.
• It rarely causes significant obstruction in neonates.
• Endoscopic examination confirms the diagnosis.
• Imaging by CT and MRI demonstrates any adhesion to the cervical
vertebrae.
• Incision and excision of the cyst have been described while total
clearance requires a palatal approach

NASOALVEOLAR CYSTS
• These are rare, non-odontogenic, soft-tissue lesions arising from the
incisive canal during the development of the maxilla.
• They present lateral to the midline at the alar base and can cause
asymmetrical alar flare.
• Excision is usually via a sub-labial approach, but the transnasal approach
has been recently reported.
DENTIGEROUS CYSTS
• Dentigerous cysts present in the floor of the nose or
Maxillary sinus and have a dental origin. Endoscopic marsupialization or
removal via the nose is usually satisfactory.
MUCOUS CYSTS
• Mucous cysts have been described anywhere in the nose but appear to be
more common in the floor.
• They may be congenital but are more usually seen as a complication of
rhinoplasty.
• Endoscopic and open approaches are used depending on the position of
the lesion.

Nasal masses
ENCEPHALOCOELE, MENINGOCOELE,
GLIOMA
• A nasal encephalomeningocoele represents a herniation of
meninges with or without associated brain through bony defects of
the calvarium.
• A meningocoele consists of either meninges alone or with CSF and
an encephalocoele contains nervous tissue.
• Their combined incidence is around 1 in 4000 live births and they
have an equal male/female distribution.
• Encephalocoeles can be described as frontoethmoidal or basal.
• Frontoethmoidal are usually associated with craniofacial deformity
as they arise either at or anterior to the foramen caecum.
• The basal types present intranasally through defects in the skull
base causing nasal obstruction and widening of the nasal bridge.

Nasal gliomas
• Benign midline masses containing glial
cells and fibrous and vascular tissue.
• They are similar to encephalocoeles but
have become separated from the
intracranial structures. Around 15% do,
however, remain attached to the brain
via a fibrous stalk.
• There is usually no associated
abnormality of the brain.
• A better term for these lesions is ‘glial
heterotopia’: glioma implies a neoplasm
and these lesions are actually
choristomas (aggregations of structurally
normal tissue in an abnormal location).
• Presentation is usually early on as a firm,
non-compressible, reddish swelling.

• Differentiation between gliomas and encephalocoeles can be
made in a number of ways.
• A probe will pass laterally but not medially to an intranasal
encephalocoele while an intranasal glioma can arise from the
lateral nasalwall.
• Furstenberg’s test (compression of the internal jugular vein)
usually causes an encephalocoele to enlarge but a glioma does
not.
• Imaging is mandatory to confirm the nature of the lesion.
• MRI is the most effective modality due to its better resolution of
soft tissue, and because the anterior skull base contains unossified
cartilage which can be mistaken for bony dehiscence on CT, but CT
has a role in image guidance.
• On MRI, an encephaocoele is seen as a mass in continuity with
the brain with an associated skull base defect, while a glioma is
discontinuous to the brain parenchyma and the tissue is dysplastic
and gliotic therefore more hyperintense on T2 compared to
normal brain parenchyma.

• Surgical excision is recommended for these masses,
particularly if they are causing significant problems.
• As with dermoid cysts, masses in the lower part of the nose
can be removed via the external rhinoplasty approach.
• More recently, the endoscopic approach is advocated.
• The glial tissue can be removed with a zero- degree or 120-
degree endoscope.
• Encephalocoeles and meningocoeles that require surgery
usually require a combined transnasal and neurosurgical
approach.
• Ventriculoperitoneal shunting may be required pre-
operatively.
• The intracranial portion can be excised via a bicoronal flap
with a frontal craniotomy, but this can be associated with
complications of epilepsy, anosmia, scarring and intracerebral
haemorrhage.

• More recently, the endoscopic approach is
advocated without the need for formal
craniotomy.
• The defect left by endoscopic excision can be
closed with temporalis fascia graft, mucosa or a
composite graft from the inferior turbinate, with
Gelfoam®and packing (if small), or if a larger
defect is present fascia lata and bone from the
septum may be required.
• This prevents the risk of CSF leak potentially
leading to meningitis.
• The role of prophylactic antibiotics is
controversial.

NASAL HAEMANGIOMA

NASAL HAEMANGIOMA
• Vascular anomalies such as haemangiomas, arteriovenous
malformations (AVMs) or vascular malformation (including
lymphatic malformations) can present in the nose either externally
or internally.
• Internal haemangiomas often arise from the inferior turbinate.
• Classically, a haemangioma is either absent or flat at birth and then
undergoes a period of rapid growth to present as a mass at around
6 weeks of age.
• Growth then continues for the first 6 months of life before gradual
involution occurs, and the lesion generally disappears by around the
age of 6 years.
• This natural history supports conservative management if possible.
• Ultrasound and MRI imaging are the recommended modes of
imaging, particularly to exclude any intracranial connection, and
treatment depends on the extent of involvement of the
surrounding tissues.

TREATMENT
• Treatment for haemangiomas has been
transformed with the use of oral propranolol.
• In cases where there is encroachment on the
orbit with a potential risk to vision, surgical
excision has been used to good effect.
• The use of chemotherapy (such as methotrexate
or vincristine) is reported but should be
undertaken with caution due to the risks of side
effects, and it has now largely been superseded
by propranolol.

TERATOMA
• A teratoma is a true neoplasm consisting of all three germ cell layers with
cells varying in maturity. They occur in 1 in 4000 live births with less than
10% occurring in the head and neck.
• The cervical forms are the most common, followed by nasopharyngeal
teratomas. They are associated with polyhydramnios, stillbirth and
prematurity, and can result in significant airway compromise.
• They usually present as a firm mass.
• Maternal serum alpha fetoprotein levels and beta HCG levels may be
raised.
• Imaging is with CT and MRI.
• Teratomas will appear as heterogeneous masses on MRI, with fatty and
bony components, and they may have a stalk, giving them mobility in
different positions.
• Management is surgical, either endoscopic or open, depending on the size
of the lesion.

MISCELLANEOUS
• Hamartomas, chordomas and craniopharyngiomas are
extremely rare causes of nasal obstruction in the neonate
Chordoma Chondromesenchymal hamartoma

ACQUIRED PATHOLOGIES
1
• Osseocartilaginous septal deformity
2
• Neonatal rhinitis
3
• Fibrous dysplasia
4
• Neoplasms of the nasal bones- Juvenile ossifying
fibroma (JOF)

Osseocartilaginous
septal deformity
• The septum develops as an outgrowth from the merged
medial nasal processes and nasofrontal process.
• At week 9, it fuses with the palate just posterior to the
incisive foramen, and then fuses anteriorly and posteriorly.
• A number of babies are born with a septal deviation either in
isolation or in association with an abnormality of the bony
pyramid.
• It is felt that the problem is due either to intrauterine
positioning or to birth trauma.

Osseocartilaginous septal deformity
• Closed reduction of the septal deformity with topical anaesthetic in
each nostril in the first few days of life has been described and is
thought to be successful if the deviation is severe.
• However, most of the studies that advocate intervention have
inadequate follow-up periods and there is little evidence for the
adverse effects of conservative management.
• Formal surgical repair is generally recommended
 later in childhood to avoid damage to the main growth centre of
the nose;
 the external rhinoplasty approach has been used for other
pathology in very young children and no detrimental effects on
nasal growth have been reported

Neonatal rhinitis
• Swelling of the nasal mucosa in newborn infants can cause
significant airway problems, particularly when feeding, as neonates
are obligate nasal breathers.
• Idiopathic neonatal rhinitis is characterized by mucoid
rhinorrhoea with nasal mucosal oedema in the afebrile newborn.
• This results in stertor, poor feeding and respiratory distress.
• Structural abnormalities should be excluded.
• Treatment of neonatal rhinitis depends on the severity of
symptoms.
• Nasal bulb suction with saline drops in the first instance is
recommended.
• A short course of nasal steroid drops would be the next step. This
should be closely monitored to avoid the potential side effects from
systemic absorption

Neonatal rhinitis
• It is important to consider chlamydia infection acquired in the birth canal.
• This usually results in conjunctivitis but involvement of the nose is seen in
around 25% of affected individuals.
• Presentation is with obstruction, rhinorrhoea and a markedly
erythematous nasal mucosa on examination.
• Swabs are diagnostic and the appropriate antibiotics should be given.
• Rarely congenital syphilis (Treponema pallidum) can cause nasal
symptoms in the neonate.
• Thin, clear secretions are seen between the second week and third month
of life. This progresses to a mucopurulent discharge with significant
obstruction and crusting of the nostrils.
• Antibiotic treatment is required both for symptomatic relief and to
prevent chronic infection of the cartilage resulting in saddle deformity.

Fibrous dysplasia
• This is an uncommon cause of nasal obstruction in older children
and young adults.
• It is a benign fibro-osseous dysplasia and can present either as a
solitary lesion (monostotic) or less commonly in multiple sites
(polyostotic), typically in the craniofacial bones.
• Presentation is usually as pain with progressive facial deformity
between the ages of 10 and 30.
• Nasal obstruction, with a mass on endoscopy or facial deformity
due to growth of a lesion in the nose or sinus should raise
suspicion.
• Imaging helps to confirm the diagnosis; normal healthy bone is
replaced with a more radiolucent ‘ground-glass’ appearance.
• There can be endosteal scalloping of the inner cortex with a smooth
non-reactive periosteal surface.
• Lesions have diffuse margins.

Fibrous dysplasia
• Management is expectant but surgical excision may
be needed with the aim of preserving function and
limiting disability.
• The mid-facial degloving approach has been shown
to achieve good results with minimal cosmetic
defect.
Craniofacial polyostotic
fibrous dysplasia

Fibrous dysplasia
• Medical treatment involves medication to increase
bone density, for example biphosphonates.
• A subgroup of polyostotic patients (around 3%) have
• Associated endocrine abnormalities such as
hyperthyroidism, adrenal disorders, diabetes,
hyperpituitarism and hypercalcaemia with cafe-au-
lait spots.
• This is termed McCune–Albright syndrome after
the two physicians who first described it in 1937.
• There is a 1% risk of malignant transformation, mostly
in the polyostotic form.

Neoplasms of the nasal bones
• Juvenile ossifying fibroma (JOF) is a true neoplasm which is defined
radiologically as a radiolucent, expansile, welldefined lesion with variable
calcification.
• It can be unilocular or multilocular with cortical thinning and possible
perforation. Pain is rare.
• There are two subtypes, trabecular and psammomatoid, which have
different histopathological appearances.
• Surgical excision is recommended and this may need to radical as
recurrence rates are high (30–50%) probably due to the propensity of this
disease to perforate cortical bone.
• Malignant change has not been reported.