Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Straight back syndrome
Introduction
Synonyms and keywords: SBS
Overview
Overview
The straight back syndrome, consisting of loss of normal upper thoracic spinal curvature associated with heart murmurs and radiographic cardiomegaly is considered a form of ‘pseudoheart disease’ which has been attributed to squashing of the heart in the reduced AP diameter of the chest.[1] In another words the straight back syndrome is loss of the normal concavity of the thoracolumbar spine with a narrowed anteroposterior chest dimension, resulting compression of the heart between spine and sternum, and consequent prominent precordial pulsations, an ejection murmur, and radiologic evidence of a widened cardiac silhouette (pancaked heart).
Straight back syndrome (SBS) patients who have valvular heart disease should receive infective endocarditis prophylaxis.[2]
Historical Perspective
Historical Perspective
Straight back syndrome first diagnosed and reported by Rawlings in 1960.[3] [4]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Straight back syndrome is simple, which only requires AP and lateral chest x-rays.
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Right lateral view of normal columna vertebralis -
Left lateral view of normal columna vertebralis
References
References
- ↑ Davies MK, Mackintosh P, Cayton RM, Page AJ, Shiu MF, Littler WA. The Straight Back Syndrome Q J Med 1980; 49: 443-460 PMID 7267961
- ↑ Ansari A. The “straight back” syndrome: current perspective more often associated with valvular heart disease than pseudoheart disease: a prospective clinical, electrocardiographic, roentgenographic, and echocardiographic study of 50 patients. Clin Cardiol. 1985 May; 8 (5): 290-305. PMID 3995803
- ↑ Rawlings MS, The straight back syndrome. A new cause of pseudoheart disease. Am J Cardiol 1960, 5, 333-338
- ↑ Masajuki Kambe. Straight back syndrome and respiratory failure. JMAJ 49, 4, 176-79, 2006
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
- Haswell K, Gilmour J, Moore B. Clinical decision rules for identification of low back pain patients with neurologic involvement in primary care. Spine. 2008 Jan 1; 33 (1): 68-73. Review. PMID 18165751
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]