title: Resolution of opisthotonus in respiratory distress by aortopexy.
abstract: We report a case of worsening respiratory distress associated with opisthotonus secondary to tracheomalacia, a rather unique pathophysiological phenomenon. A 2-month-old male baby was referred to our hospital for respiratory distress syndrome with a noticeable opisthotonus. Examination and investigation confirmed the presence of an aberrant innominate artery compressing the trachea. The infant underwent aortopexy and made a dramatic post-operative recovery. Of special note, the opisthotonus vanished soon after the operation. Opisthotonus is not always related to neurological impairment and may be a warning sign of mediastinal overcrowding in patients with respiratory distress syndrome secondary to vascular compression.
authors.affiliation: ENT Unit, Department of Surgery and Centre of Transplantation, Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy. marilena.trozzi@opbg.net
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Trozzi
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Briganti
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Conforti
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schiavino
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bottero
mesh_terms: D001011:Aorta / Q000601:surgery*; D016122:Brachiocephalic Trunk / Q000002:abnormalities*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013035:Spasm / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D055090:Tracheomalacia / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Aortopexy; Opisthotono; Pediatric airway; Respiratory distress; Tracheomalacia