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.