STRAIGHT BACK SYNDROME

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Six patients with straight back syndrome are presented, and their clinical, electrocardiographic, radiological, and cardiac catheterization findings are described. As a result of the straightening of the upper dorsal spine, the antero-posterior diameter of the thorax is reduced resulting in compression of the heart and great vessels. These patients usually present with a systolic murmur and have no symptoms referable to the cardiovascular system. Straightening of the spine may be appreciated by palpation. The electrocardiogram and cardiac hemodynamics are within normal limits. X-ray examination of the chest in the postero-anterior view shows widening of the waist of the heart and apparent cardiac enlargement. The lateral view is diagnostic and shows a straight dorsal spine lacking the normal slight kyphosis. The retrosternal space is usually obliterated and the retrocardiac space is diminished. The data suggest that the ratio of transverse diameter of chest to antero-posterior diameter in the teleradiogram in this condition is significantly greater than that in normal subjects.

This publication has 4 references indexed in Scilit: