A Case of Idiopathic Scoliosis with Bronchial Stenosis Improved by Posterior Thoracic Spinal Fusion

• Published in: The Journal of the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy Vol. 41; no. 2; pp. 117 - 122
• Main Authors: Kakutani, Takuya, Amano, Yusuke, Yokomura, Koshi, Suda, Takafumi, Kanata, Kei, Akahori, Daisuke, Gotou, Ayano, Koyauchi, Takafumi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: The Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy 25.03.2019; 特定非営利活動法人 日本呼吸器内視鏡学会
• Subjects: Airway stenosis; Idiopathic scoliosis; Posterior spinal fusion; 気道狭窄; 特発性脊柱側彎症; 脊柱後方矯正固定術
• ISSN: 0287-2137; 2186-0149
• DOI: 10.18907/jjsre.41.2_117

Background. Respiratory dysfunction with idiopathic scoliosis is known to be improved by orthopedic surgery. However, there are few reports of adult cases. Case. A 63-year-old woman had suffered from idiopathic scoliosis since her youth. Because of increased dyspnea with cough and sputum that had persisted for several years while sleeping at night, she underwent a medical examination. She had restrictive respiratory dysfunction, slightly elevated levels of nitric oxide in her expiration and repeated infection of the lower respiratory tract. Because of these symptoms, she was prescribed with inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2 agonist combination and started low-dose long-term macrolide therapy. However, these treatments were ineffective, and she was referred to our hospital. Her dyspnea while sleeping became exacerbated, particularly in the dorsal position, and was reduced in the lateral decubitus position and prone position. Chest computed tomography showed that the right intermediate bronchus was pressed flat and narrowed in front of the thoracic vertebral body. Airway stenosis due to thoracic deformity was regarded as the main cause of her symptoms. After posterior spinal fusion for scoliosis, her dyspnea, airway stenosis and respiratory function were all improved. Conclusion. Spinal fusion may be an effective treatment for airway stenosis with severe idiopathic scoliosis.