Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) is a rare, pathological, intrapulmonary, right-to-left shunt resulting from abnormal communication between the pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein. It can remain asymptomatic and/or suddenly manifest with life-threatening complications. A 13-year-old girl presented with giddiness, falling over and loss of consciousness. She was the fourth child of non-consanguineous parents, and two of her older siblings had died: a girl at 2 years of age owing to suspected pneumonia, and a boy at 8 years of age owing to falling over and convulsions. She had dyspnoea, central cyanosis, clubbing, severe hypoxaemia, polycythaemia and iron deficiency. Chest radiograph demonstrated well defined homogeneous opacity in the right hilar region. The thoracic CT angiogram revealed a large PAVM in the superior segment of the right lower lung fields. Percutaneous cardiac catheterisation and coil embolisation of the PAVM were successfully undertaken. Her oxygen saturation improved to 95-97% in room air. She remained asymptomatic during 2 months of follow-up and then by telephone for 1 year post-procedure. However, her parents have not since attended the hospital for repeat examination and scans. This case highlights the timely, successful treatment of a large PAVM in an adolescent girl and emphasises the need for awareness in paediatricians and other healthcare workers about PAVMs, which, although rare, are potentially life-threatening, especially in adolescents in whom a comorbidity such as iron deficiency could increase the risk of PAVM complications.

Pectus excavatum (PE), the most common congenital chest wall deformity, is increasingly treated with minimally invasive repair (MIRPE). However, postoperative complications such as bar displacement remain a significant challenge, occurring in approximately 9.5% of cases. While surgical modifications and stabilization techniques aim to reduce risks, bar displacement persists as a critical concern.

This PROSPERO-registered systematic review followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A search of PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL through October 2024 identified studies evaluating bar displacement in PE patients undergoing MIRPE or alternative surgical approaches. The inclusion criteria focused on risk factors, stabilization techniques, and reoperation strategies. Data extraction and risk-of-bias assessments were independently conducted by multiple reviewers to ensure accuracy and quality.

Thirteen studies spanning 23 years were included. Bar displacement rates varied widely (0.9%-33.3%), with key risk factors including patient age, chest wall rigidity, bar length, and placement technique. Advanced stabilization methods-such as bridge fixation, shorter bars, multipoint fixation, and adjunct stabilizers-significantly reduced displacement rates. Common postoperative complications included wound infections, seromas, pleural effusions, and bar re-dislocation. Imaging modalities like chest X-rays and 3-dimensional computed tomography scans proved critical for early detection. Heterogeneity in stabilization approaches underscores a shift toward patient-specific strategies to optimize outcomes.

Tailored stabilization techniques are essential for successful PE correction. Although advancements in fixation methods have reduced displacement risks, standardized postoperative protocols and multicenter studies are needed to validate these innovations and improve long-term outcomes (PROSPERO: CRD42024595337).