Re-thinking congenital piriform aperture stenosis: Modern imaging demonstrates narrowing of the full nasal cavity length.

OBJECTIVE

Measure the width of the nasal cavity in cases of piriform aperture stenosis using computerised tomography scans.

METHODS

Retrospective study performed at a paediatric tertiary referral centre in Australia. Comparison nasal cavity widths (measured on computerised tomography scans in the axial plane) at the piriform aperture, choana and points 25, 50 and 75% along the length of nasal cavity, between cases with piriform aperture stenosis and controls.

RESULTS

In cases of piriform aperture stenosis the piriform aperture along with the nasal cavity is statistically significantly narrower than controls, measured at 25, 50 and 75% along the distance between the piriform aperture and the choana.

CONCLUSION

This modern imaging review has illustrated the need for a change in the treatment paradigm for neonates with this condition, suggesting the need for further investigation of techniques that treat narrowing beyond the aperture.