Straight back syndrome in a patient with cerebral palsy

Case contributed by Bruno Di Muzio
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Patient with cerebral palsy is brought to emergency department with respiratory distress.

Patient Data

Age: 20 years
Gender: Male

No relevant pulmonary abnormalities. The patient presents a rectification of the physiologic thoracic kyphosis, with a straight alignment of vertebral bodies and a chronic anterior displacement of all thoracic spine, compressing mediastinal structures anteriorly. Also noted screws related to a previous spine surgery (spinal arthrodesis), probably related to treatment for neuromuscular scoliosis, however no additional information was available. 

Case Discussion

Cerebral palsy is an encephalopathy related to a permanent motor disability and frequently the development of a spinal deformity.

The case was discussed as the respiratory distress being caused by the thoracic spine abnormality. This case illustrates a straight back syndrome.

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