SCOLIOSIS AND CONGENITAL HEART-DISEASE

Study Design. This study analyzed clinical characteristics of scoliosi s associated with congenital heart disease. Chest roentgenograms were reviewed to determine frequency, type, onset, and progression of scoli osis associated with congenital heart disease. Objectives. To determin e which patients with scoliosis and congenital heart disease should be followed-up carefully. Summary of Background Data. Although several s tudies have been reported on scoliosis and congenital heart disease, t he etiology of scoliosis in patients with congenital heart disease is still unknown. Furthermore, it has been difficult to determine the pro gression of scoliosis. Methods. Chest roentgenograms of 680 patients w ho underwent cardiac operations because of congenital heart disease we re evaluated. Results. Seventy-four (10.9%) of these patients had scol iosis 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 surge ry. Scoliosis associated with congenital heart disease showed no parti cular features. Patients with patent ductus arteriosus showed left con vex, high thoracic scoliosis after surgery. Conclusions. The mechanism s of onset of scoliosis in patients with congenital heart disease were not simple and were affected by several factors, including age at ope ration, side of approach, and type of congenital heart disease.