For a child with choanal atresia, what is typically confirmed through an imaging study?

When evaluating a child for choanal atresia, imaging studies, particularly computed tomography (CT) scans, are utilized to confirm the presence of a bony obstruction. In choanal atresia, there is a congenital malformation where the back of the nasal passage is blocked, usually by bone, which impedes airflow from the nose to the throat.

Identifying this bony obstruction through imaging is critical, as it directly impacts the management and potential interventions for the condition. Surgery may be necessary to relieve this obstruction, hence understanding its location and nature is essential for the pediatrician and the surgical team.

Other imaging options like chest X-rays, while helpful in other contexts, are not focused on identifying choanal atresia itself, as they would not specifically reveal nasal passage blockage. Therefore, the confirmation of the bony obstruction through imaging is vital in diagnosing this condition and planning the appropriate treatment.