Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 1, 2026

Cell-based Assay Protocol for the Prognostic Prediction of Idiopathic Scoliosis Using Cellular Dielectric Spectroscopy
Published on: October 17, 2013
Scoliosis and congenital heart disease
N Kawakami1, K Mimatsu, M Deguchi
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University, School of Medicine, Japan.
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.
Study Design:
This study analyzed clinical characteristics of scoliosis associated with congenital heart disease. Chest roentgenograms were reviewed to determine frequency, type, onset, and progression of scoliosis associated with congenital heart disease.
Objectives:
To determine which patients with scoliosis and congenital heart disease should be followed-up carefully.
Summary Of Background Data:
Although several studies have been reported on scoliosis and congenital heart disease, the etiology of scoliosis in patients with congenital heart disease is still unknown. Furthermore, it has been difficult to determine the progression of scoliosis.
Methods:
Chest roentgenograms of 680 patients who underwent cardiac operations because of congenital heart disease were evaluated.
Results:
Seventy-four (10.9%) of these patients had scoliosis of more than 10 degrees, although most of them had mild curves. Scoliosis in patients under 10 years old undergoing cardiac operations was more severe than in those older than 10 years who underwent surgery. Scoliosis associated with congenital heart disease showed no particular features. Patients with patent ductus arteriosus showed left convex, high thoracic scoliosis after surgery.
Conclusions:
The mechanisms of onset of scoliosis in patients with congenital heart disease were not simple and were affected by several factors, including age at operation, side of approach, and type of congenital heart disease.
Related Concept Videos
Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature
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 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-Ray
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: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

