Pseudopneumothorax in scoliosis surgery diagnosed with intraoperative O-arm computed tomography

J Pediatr Orthop B. 2013 Sep;22(5):413-5. doi: 10.1097/BPB.0b013e3283633089.

Abstract

Postoperative pneumothorax in posterior fusion using pedicle screws is uncommon, but the complication needs to be kept in mind. There are reports of a pseudopneumothorax resulting from artifacts. We report a unique case of a pseudopneumothorax in a patient with scoliosis, diagnosed using O-arm intraoperative computed tomography. The pseudopneumothorax, initially appearing on a chest radiograph, turned out to be an area of partial atelectasis at the lateral border of the right lower lobe. Spine surgeons and anesthesiologists must recheck images and maintain a high degree of suspicion for a pseudopneumothorax when the radiographic image during scoliosis surgery does not match the patient's condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bone Screws / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications
  • Pneumothorax / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pneumothorax / etiology
  • Scoliosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Scoliosis / surgery*
  • Spinal Fusion / adverse effects*
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*