Nasal and Nasopharyngeal Airway Obstruction in Neonates: A Pictorial Essay.

Neonates are obligate nasal breathers. Therefore, any obstruction of the nasal cavity or nasopharynx can result in severe respiratory distress, cyanosis, feeding difficulties, and failure to thrive. This condition can be life-threatening. Bilateral obstruction typically presents with severe symptoms that present in the neonatal period, whereas unilateral nasal obstruction presents later in life. In this pictorial essay, we illustrate the imaging features of various causes of neonatal nasal and nasopharyngeal airway obstruction and emphasize the role of cross-sectional imaging in prompt diagnosis.