Kyphoscoliosis and bronchial torsion

Successful Treatment of Bronchial Obstruction After Lobectomy in a Patient With Scoliosis

Scoliosis can cause various respiratory complications, even in the natural course, because of rearrangement of the intrathoracic anatomy owing to chest wall deformity. We experienced a patient with scoliosis who developed acute respiratory failure owing to bronchial obstruction induced by bronchial compression by the dorsal thoracic vertebra after right upper lobectomy for cancer. The symptom resolved after mobilization of the ipsilateral lower lobe, which was achieved by releasing the inferior pulmonary vein by U-shaped pericardial dissection with division of the pulmonary ligament. When planning lobectomy for patients with severe scoliosis, the anatomic changes caused by pulmonary resection must be considered.

Disorders of the Chest Wall: Clinical Manifestations

Chest wall disorders represent deformities and/or injuries that alter the rib cage geometry and result in pulmonary restriction, increased work of breathing, exercise limitations, and cosmotic concerns. These disorders are congenital or acquired and affect all ages. Disorders affecting the spine (kyphoscoliosis, ankylosing spondylitis), ribs (flail chest), and sternum (pectus excavatum) are discussed in this article, with emphasis on clinical presentations, pulmonary function abnormalities, diagnosis, and treatment.

Effect of idiopathic thoracic scoliosis on the tracheobronchial tree

Introduction

High prevalence of obstructive lung disease has been reported in patients undergoing surgical correction of thoracic scoliosis. Airway narrowing due to spine morphology is analysed as a contributing factor.

Methods

Preoperative surgical planning CTs of 34 patients with right-sided thoracic scoliosis (age: 17.6±9.0) were retrospectively analysed and compared with 15 non-scoliotic controls (age: 16.3±5.1). Three-dimensional models of spine and airway lumen were reconstructed. Based on thoracic sagittal profile, patients were divided into hypokyphosis (HypoS: <10°), normal kyphosis (NormS: ≥10° and <40°) and hyperkyphosis (HyperS: ≥40°) groups. Lumen area of bronchi, bifurcation angles and minimum spine–airway distance were measured. Pulmonary function tests were correlated to scoliosis, kyphosis and lumen area.

Results

Loss of kyphosis led to proximity between bronchus intermedius (BI) and spine. HypoS (NormS) had lumen area reductions in the right main bronchus of 29% (19%), BI of 45% (23%), right middle lobar bronchus of 46% (32%) and right lower lobe bronchus (RLL7) of 66% (37%), respectively (P<0.05). The lower right superior segmental bronchus was reduced across all scoliotic groups (P<0.05). Airways were displaced caudal by 0.65±0.45 vertebra in patients with scoliosis. Loss of kyphosis correlated negatively with forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV₁/FVC), FVC/(FVC predicted) and FEV₁/(FEV₁ predicted) (P<0.01). Lumen area of trachea, right upper lobar bronchus, BI and RLL7 correlated negatively with FEV₁/FVC. BI and RLL7 narrowing were strong predictors of FVC and FEV₁ loss (P<0.001).

Conclusions

Right-sided main stem airways are narrowed in HypoS and NormS. Loss of kyphosis leads to narrowing of BI and its trifurcation. FEV₁/FVC correlated negatively with airway narrowing, implying an obstructive element to lung function impairment in patients with scoliosis and hypokyphosis.

Sarcopenia and falls in patients with adult scoliosis

The present article is an opinion paper referring to adult scoliosis, sarcopenia and their relation. There is a presentation of adult scoliosis and sarcopenia as a whole including their classifications, aetiopathogenesis, clinical picture and evaluation, therapy options and complications, risk factors and consequences. The most important part is how sarcopenia and adult scoliosis can coexist and how this relation can lead to secondary problems for the patient as falls. Treatment options, for the elimination of all the above pathological conditions, are introduced in order to improve patient's life and his ADL.

Temporary Endobronchial Stent as a Bridge to Corrective Surgery For Severe Kyphoscoliosis-associated Central-Airway Extrinsic Compression

Kyphoscoliosis is known to compromise lung function, with the primary mechanism being reduced chest wall compliance with a resultant restrictive pulmonary physiology. Severe scoliosis can also cause extrinsic compression of the central airways, leading to recurrent respiratory infections, lobar atelectasis, and potentially acute respiratory failure. Definitive therapy is corrective surgery of the spine. However, patients with severe scoliosis are at a potentially high risk of perioperative pulmonary complications. To our knowledge, we report the first successful use of retrievable endobronchial stents as a bridge to corrective surgery for kyphoscoliosis-associated complete central-airway extrinsic compression in a patient who was considered as too high risk for surgical correction due to her respiratory status. After surgery, the stents were removed and our patient experienced sustained improvement in pulmonary function and the clinical respiratory status.

Role of the Interventional Pulmonologist in the Intensive Care Unit

Interventional pulmonology is a new field within the pulmonary and critical care medicine specialty with a focus on invasive diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in airway and pleural disorders. The interventional pulmonologist is highly qualified to take a prominent role in the intensive care unit in a consultative fashion to provide assistance with pleural procedures, establishment and care of artificial airways, and management of patients with respiratory failure attributable to structural central airway disorders. The presence of a dedicated operator with advanced skills facilitates access to specialized procedures in an expeditious and safe manner. Clear communication between the interventional pulmonologist and intensivist is vital to ensure a collaborative effort that delivers optimal patient care.

Difficult endotracheal intubation secondary to tracheal deviation and stenosis in a patient with severe kyphoscoliosis: a case report

We report on a case of difficult endotracheal intubation in a patient with marked tracheal deviation at an angle of 90 degrees combined with stenosis due to kyphoscoliosis with vertebral body fusion. After induction of general anesthesia, a proper laryngeal view was easily obtained using a videolaryngoscope. But a tracheal tube could not be advanced more than 3 cm beyond the vocal cords due to resistance, despite various attempts, including the use of small size tubes, full rotation of the tube tip, and fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Ultimately, the airway was successfully secured by placing a tube tip above the area of resistance and by additionally packing saline-soaked gauzes around the tracheal inlet to minimize gas leakage and to fasten the tube in the trachea.

Scoliosis and bronchial obstruction

Severe scoliosis may have a significant effect on respiratory function. The effect is most often restrictive due to severe anatomical distortion of the chest, leading to reduced lung volumes, limited diaphragmatic excursion and chest wall muscle inefficiency. Bronchial compression by the deformed spine may also occur but is more unusual. Management options include a conservative approach using bracing and physiotherapy in mild cases, as well as surgical correction of the scoliosis in more severe cases. Bronchial stenting has also been used successfully as an alternative to surgical correction, and in cases in which spinal surgery was either unsuccessful or not feasible. The authors present a case involving a 52-year-old woman who exhibited symptomatic compression of the bronchus intermedius by severe residual scoliosis despite previous corrective surgery. She was treated with an indwelling bronchial stent.

Extrinsic bronchial obstruction caused by scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN

A case report.

OBJECTIVE

To emphasize the importance of monitoring the breathing capacity in patients with moderate to severe scoliosis, even in adulthood.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Diseases that disturb the structure of the chest wall affect the function of the respiratory pump. Restrictive respiratory pattern is caused by severe scoliosis. However, scoliosis may provoke obstructive changes due to compression of the airways. It can be a direct compression because of imprinting of vertebral bodies, or an indirect one, due to rotation forces. METHODS.: We have collected data from the patients' clinical history and have reviewed similar published cases.

CASE PRESENTATION

a white female, with frequent respiratory tract infections during her childhood. She was diagnosed as having 55° right T5-T11 scoliosis. At age of 26, an increase of her pulmonary symptoms appeared with difficulty to expel mucus and medium efforts dyspnea. A computed axial tomographic scan showed T8 vertebral body pushing against the right intermediate bronchus. A bronchoscopy found a decrease in the bronchial area, with near contact between the walls. Lung function test: 41% forced vital capacity (FVC), 43% forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and 91 FEV1/FVC1. The patient underwent surgical correction using rods and pedicle screws; she had improvement of symptoms, image tests, and pulmonary function (70% FVC, 71% FEV1, and 101 FEV1/FVC).

CONCLUSION

Increased frequency and severity of respiratory tract infections, difficulty in expelling mucus and dyspnea are warning signs of compromised airways. Spirometry tests and image tests such as computed axial tomography and bronchoscopy are essential for diagnosis. Surgical approach may be the treatment of choice.

Unexpected tracheal narrowing during general anesthesia in the prone position of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patient -A report of two cases-

Unexpected tracheal narrowing was observed in a patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy during a corrective operation for thoracolumbar scoliosis. As the operating time progressed, peak airway pressure and end-tidal CO₂ increased gradually in the prone position. We found a floppy portion of the trachea using fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FB) in the prone position. We advanced a wire-reinforced tube toward the carina beyond the lesion. This allowed correction of the ventilatory abnormalities. We encountered another patient scheduled for the same operation. We performed FB in advance before the position change and observed a narrowed portion of trachea. We advanced the tracheal tube under FB beyond the pathologic portion and then moved the patient into the prone position. The operation was done successfully without any problems.

Neurogenic respiratory failure

It is uncommon for the lungs to be primarily involved in neurological conditions but severe respiratory problems can arise indirectly. These are usually the result of disorders of central ventilatory control, respiratory muscle weakness, or bulbar involvement. The effects of those disorders can be predicted by an understanding of the nervous control mechanisms and mechanical factors that determine effective ventilation. Awareness of these potential complications, and the increased availability of more advanced diagnostic and monitoring techniques in everyday clinical practice, has resulted in the introduction of specific treatments to try to reduce consequent morbidity and mortality.

An outcome analysis of self-expandable metallic stents in central airway obstruction: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) have provided satisfactory management of central airway obstruction. However, the long-term benefits and complications of this management modality in patients with benign and malignant obstructing lesions after SEMS placement are unclear. We performed this cohort study to analyze the outcomes of Ultraflex SEMSs in patients with tracheobronchial diseases.

METHODS

Of 149 patients, 72 with benign and 77 with malignant tracheobronchial disease received 211 SEMSs (benign, 116; malignant, 95) and were retrospectively reviewed in a tertiary hospital.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics of patients who received SEMS implantation for benign conditions and those who underwent implantation for malignant conditions were significantly different. These characteristics included age (mean, 63.9 vs. 58; p < 0.01), gender (male, 62% vs. 90%; p < 0.0001), smoking (47% vs. 85%; p < 0.0001), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (mean, 0.9 vs. 1.47 L/s; p < 0.0001), follow-up days after SEMS implantation (median; 429 vs. 57; p < 0.0001), and use of covered SEMS (36.2% vs. 94.7%; p < 0.0001). Symptoms improved more after SEMS implantation in patients with benign conditions than in those with malignant conditions (76.7% vs. 51.6%; p < 0.0001). The overall complication rate after SEMS implantation in patients with benign conditions was higher than that in patients with malignancy (42.2% vs. 21.1%; p = 0.001). Successful management of SEMS migration, granulation tissue formation, and SEMS fracture occurred in 100%, 81.25%, and 85% of patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who received SEMS implantation owing to benign conditions had worse lung function and were older than those who received SEMS for malignancies. There was higher complication rate in patients with benign conditions after a longer follow-up period owing to the nature of the underlying diseases.

Lordoscoliosis and large intrathoracic airway obstruction

STUDY DESIGN

Case series.

OBJECTIVE

We report the treatment of 2 children with right main bronchus obstruction complicating thoracic lordoscoliosis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The preoperative investigation and treatment of large airway obstruction caused by lordoscoliosis has not been reported in the literature.

METHODS

Obstruction of the right main bronchus was confirmed before surgery by ventilation-perfusion scans, bronchogram, and computed tomography scan. Deformity correction was achieved using a submuscular growth rod construct in one child, and posterior spinal fusion in the other. Clinical examination and repeat ventilation-perfusion scans were performed 8 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

In both children, ventilation to the right "convex" lung was reestablished after surgery. Lung function improved in both patients after surgery.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of large airway obstruction associated with thoracic lordoscoliosis in which ventilation was reestablished after spinal deformity correction. Early deformity correction is indicated in such cases because of the risk of irreversible compromise to lung ventilation and perfusion.

Double-lumen tube for ventilation in severe kyphoscoliosis

The presence of kyphoscoliosis can adversely affect gas exchange because of restriction to gas flow and reduction of lung volume. The effects become more exaggerated during positive-pressure ventilation due to the uneven distribution of ventilation. The use of a double-lumen tube helps to reduce the ventilation perfusion mismatch that occurs because of positive-pressure ventilation. We report a patient with severe kyphoscoliosis who underwent repair of an atrial septal defect, in whom a double-lumen tube was used for ventilation and the conduct of general anesthesia.

Bronchial obstruction secondary to idiopathic scoliosis in a child: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Patients with severe idiopathic scoliosis are reported to have significant pulmonary complications, including recurrent chest infections, alveolar hypoventilation and respiratory failure.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of a 13-year-old boy with moderate-to-severe scoliosis resulting in torsion or twisting of the bronchus intermedius, which contributed to airflow obstruction defects, as revealed by both spirometry and bronchoscopy.

CONCLUSION

We recommend that inspection of the shape of the maximal expiratory flow-volume loop obtained from spirometry, as well as other parameters suggestive of obstructive lung disease, may be important in children with scoliosis. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a child in which pulmonary function testing and direct visualization via a flexible bronchoscope have been used to characterize intrathoracic large airway obstruction.

The destroyed lung syndrome: report of a case after Harrington rod instrumentation and fusion for idiopathic scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN

A case report is described.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the very rare complication of destroyed lung syndrome after scoliosis correction.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The destroyed lung syndrome has, to our knowledge, never been associated with scoliosis in the literature. Bronchial kinking and compression by the vertebral column have been described in severe scoliosis cases.

METHODS

The patient, a 40-year-old woman was operated on in 1976 for a thoracic scoliosis and hypokyphosis using Harrington rod instrumentation and fusion with autologous bone graft. With a follow-up of 26 years, she has developed a very severe functional defect of the right lung, the so-called destroyed lung syndrome.

RESULTS

After the index procedure, the patient developed various episodes of pneumonia and abscess formation in the right lung because of kinking and obstruction of the bronchial tree of the right lung. This seemed to be caused by a severe hypokyphosis and by residual scoliosis of the thoracic spine with direct compression of the right bronchus by the vertebral column. Eventually two stents were placed, but this prevented further deterioration only temporarily.

CONCLUSIONS

After Harrington instrumentation and fusion for thoracic hypokyphotic idiopathic scoliosis, kinking and obstruction of a main bronchus are possible. In this patient, this complication gave rise to recurrent infections of the right lung, eventually progressing to destroyed lung syndrome.

Obstructive lung diseases: COPD, asthma, and many imitators

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disorder that occurs in 10% to 15% of people who smoke, an estimated 16 million Americans. Asthma is also common. Spirometry is generally used to detect early COPD in smokers and to evaluate patients with respiratory symptoms. Although COPD and asthma account for most obstructive lung diseases, a broad spectrum of other disorders, including bronchiectasis, upper airway lesions, bronchiolar diseases, and some interstitial lung diseases, are associated with airflow obstruction. These less common forms of obstructive lung diseases are often misdiagnosed because of their uncommon occurrence and poor recognition. We describe the heterogeneous spectrum of disorders that can present with evidence of airflow obstruction and outline a diagnostic approach to obstructive lung disease.

Managing ventilatory insufficiency and failure in a patient with kyphoscoliosis: a case study

This article reports a case study of 'Sue', a 37 year old female who was transferred to a metropolitan hospital's intensive care unit in acute respiratory failure secondary to severe kyphoscoliosis (KS). KS is defined as a deformity of the spine involving both lateral displacement (scoliosis) and anteroposterior angulation (kyphosis). Over time, this anatomical distortion results in ventilatory insufficiency due to muscle weakness. Sue displayed a restrictive lung pattern, evidenced by a decreased vital capacity and tidal volume with severe nocturnal dyspnoea, resulting in raised carbon dioxide levels in arterial blood and decreased oxygenation. This paper reviews Sue's progress throughout her hospitalisation and examines the key issues involved in her care. Particular attention is given to specific problems encountered on the acute care ward related to oxygen delivery, tracheostomy care, non-invasive ventilation and rehabilitation. The paper highlights the increased acuity of respiratory ward patients who require the use of substantial technological support to optimise their management. Nurses working in these wards need specialised knowledge, excellent patient communication ability and well-developed technical skills. The trend is to treat patients with respiratory failure, either chronic or acute, on wards rather than in critical care units' which has promoted the development of a specialised role in respiratory nursing.

Respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension associated with Klippel-Feil syndrome

A 28-year-old woman with a deformed thorax and kyphoscoliosis associated with Klippel-Feil syndrome developed respiratory failure with pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary 133Xe ventilation and 99mTc-MAA perfusion scintigraphies showed maldistributions of lung ventilation and perfusion, and noticeably delayed 133Xe washout from the lungs. Dynamic breathing MR imaging showed poor and/or asynchronous respiratory movements of the chest wall and diaphragm. These findings indicate that the perfusion-ventilation imbalance, the decreased ventilatory turnover, and expiratory flow from the alveolar space partly derived from the impaired respiratory mechanics may be responsible for the respiratory complications in this patient.

Airway stents

Considerable progress has been made since the initial stents were manufactured. Despite the reported side effects, cumulative evidence suggests beneficial effects in properly selected patients. The technology is still in evolution, and design modifications strive to find the perfect stent. The Dumon stent remains the gold standard against which the functions of all other stents are being measured. Unfortunately requirement for the RB for deployment has restricted widespread application at least in the United States. The Wallstent can be inserted using FB and has a great potential among the metal stents. Its biggest drawback is that once inserted it is difficult to remove. Studies with the nitinol Ultraflex and the polyester/silicone Polyflex prototype stent also show promise, although extensive experience and long-term follow-up data are still not available. It is possible that combining the strength of the tube stents with the flexibility of the metal stents may one day help to develop the ideal stent.

The use of expandable metal stents to facilitate extubation in patients with large airway obstruction

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical utility of placing airway stents to facilitate weaning in ventilator-dependent patients with large airway obstruction.

METHODS

A chart review of mechanically ventilated patients who received expandable metal airway stents to attempt a facilitation of weaning.

RESULTS

Eight patients, 3 women and 5 men, ranging in age from 37 to 82 years, had respiratory failure associated with large airway obstruction and underwent flexible bronchofluoroscopic placement of 12 expandable metal stents (7 Wallstents [Schneider; Minneapolis, MN], 2 Palmaz [Johnson & Johnson; Warren, NJ], and 3 Ultraflex [Microinvasive; Natick, MA]). Six had respiratory failure that was secondary to malignant airway disease, and two had benign airway disease. Seven patients with tracheal or mainstem bronchial obstruction were weaned from the ventilator within 0 to 11 days of stent placement after having previously required mechanical ventilation from 2 to 52 days. There were no associated complications. Following prolonged attempts at weaning, one patient with lobar bronchus obstruction died after mechanical ventilation was withdrawn.

CONCLUSIONS

Expandable metal airway stents may be safely deployed in mechanically ventilated patients and can facilitate weaning from the mechanical ventilator. Mechanically ventilated patients with tracheal and mainstem bronchus obstruction are the best candidates for deployment of expandable airway stents to facilitate weaning.