Abstract

MRARA, B  and  LUKHELE, M. Bilateral pneumothoraces and thyroid storm in undiagnosed Graves' disease following posterior fusion scoliosis surgery: a case report. SA orthop. j. [online]. 2011, vol.10, n.4, pp.48-52. ISSN 2309-8309.

The coexistence of idiopathic scoliosis and Graves' disease is not an established phenomenon. Bilateral pneumothoraces as a complication of posterior pedicle screw correction of scoliosis is an uncommon finding. Thyroid storm as initial presentation in Graves' disease is also uncommon. Surgery and stress are known precipitants of thyroid storm in untreated Graves' disease. We report on a 14-year-old female with idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior only pedicle screw correction of the deformity and developed bilateral pneumothoraces and thyroid storm in the first postoperative day. This was her first presentation with Graves' disease. Preoperatively she had reported no symptoms of hyperthyroidism. She was treated successfully and discharged from the hospital.

Keywords : idiopathic scoliosis; undiagnosed Graves' disease; post-operation bilateral pneumothoraces; thyroid storm.

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