Scoliosis and congenital heart disease

N Kawakami1, K Mimatsu, M Deguchi

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University, School of Medicine, Japan.

Spine
|June 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Scoliosis affects over 10% of patients with congenital heart disease, often presenting as mild curves. Severity correlates with age at cardiac surgery, with younger patients experiencing more pronounced spinal deformities.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Cardiology
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • The etiology of scoliosis in congenital heart disease patients remains unclear.
  • Predicting scoliosis progression in this population is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify clinical characteristics of scoliosis in patients with congenital heart disease.
  • To guide careful follow-up strategies for affected individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of chest roentgenograms from 680 patients undergoing cardiac operations for congenital heart disease.
  • Evaluation of scoliosis frequency, type, onset, and progression.

Main Results:

  • Scoliosis (curve >10 degrees) was present in 10.9% of patients, mostly mild.
  • Younger patients (<10 years) undergoing cardiac surgery exhibited more severe scoliosis.
  • Patent ductus arteriosus was associated with left convex, high thoracic scoliosis post-surgery.

Conclusions:

  • Scoliosis onset in congenital heart disease is multifactorial, influenced by age at operation, surgical approach, and heart defect type.
  • These factors necessitate individualized management and monitoring.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature01:16

Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature

The vertebral column or spine is a flexible column that supports the head, neck, and body and  allows for their movements. It also protects the spinal cord.
Regions of the Vertebral Column
In an adult, the spine is subdivided into five regions: the cervical, the thoracic, the lumbar, the sacral, and the coccygeal region. The spine initially develops as a series of 33 vertebrae; after 20 years of age, the nine bones in the sacral region, five sacral, and four coccygeal bones fuse to form the...
Heart Valves01:16

Heart Valves

The human heart is a complex organ with an intricate system of valves that regulate blood flow. There are two main types of valves: atrioventricular (AV) valves and semilunar valves.
The AV valves prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricles to the atria during ventricular contraction. These valves function with the assistance of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles. When the ventricles are relaxed, the chordae tendineae are slack, allowing blood to flow from the atria into the...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction01:27

Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction

IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...