Bilateral choanal atresia associated with nasal dermoid cyst and sinus: a case report and review of the literature.

The relationship of choanal atresia to various systemic malformations is well acknowledged by the CHARGE acronym: colobomas, heart defects, atresia choanae, retarded growth and development, genito-urinary defects, and ear defects. In the past, we have reported the finding of an isolated skull base malformation associated with choanal atresia. We report here a unique case of choanal atresia associated with a patent foramen cecum and intracranial extension of a dermoid sinus. The embryogenesis of this condition is accounted for by the mesodermal flow theory of choanal atresia formation, and implies a need for thorough imaging of the anterior skull base in cases of bilateral atresia.