Straight Back Syndrome: A New Heart Disease

¹ The Diagnostic Center.

A new syndrome of heart disease has been presented that we have not found recorded in the literature heretofore. We prefer to call this the "straight back" syndrome. It may be described as a congenital straightening of the upper dorsal spine which decreases the anteroposterior diameter of the chest at this level. This results in compression phenomena which may either cause pseudocardiomegaly or cause mechanical murmurs. These murmurs are systolic in timing and would seem secondary to distortion or impingement of the great vessels. Simple physical examination will usually reveal the straight back syndrome. The degree of deformity may then be determined when lateral x-ray films are taken. The simple defects found in this syndrome may not be uncommon. Their recognition may prevent a common form of iatrogenic heart disease that has often interfered with employment, insurability and peace of mind.