High risk twin pregnancy complicated with severe rachiterata and huge dorsal mass suffering from refractory infection: A case report

RATIONALE: Severe rachiterata is rarely described as a complication of pregnancy, and it was assumed as a contraindication to pregnancy. We first report a case of severe spinal deformity associated both with scoliosis and kyphosis in pregnancy. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 38-year-old pregnant woman [28+1 weeks of twin pregnancy, gravida 3, para 2 (G3P2)] was admitted to the emergency department with complaints of persistent productive cough, with increased expectoration, dyspnea, dizziness, fatigue, and irregular abdominal pain. She had obvious spinal protrusion of lateral bending deformity and kyphosis with “S” type distortion, and had a huge dorsal mass with refractory infection. In the third trimester of pregnancy, the anatomical changes resulted in thoracic cavity deformation, unmanageable pulmonary infections, and serious skin infections on the surface of the dorsal mass. DIAGNOSIS: Single chorionic twin pregnancy with severe rachiterata and a huge dorsal mass. INTERVENTIONS: Management was focused on treating pulmonary and skin infections and promoting fetal lung maturation. Appropriate timing of pregnancy termination and manner of delivery were decided through a multidisciplinary discussion. The patient was placed in a special position and assisted by a professional midwife during delivery. OUTCOMES: The patient and her children survived after careful care and treatment. LESSONS: Severe spinal deformities are not contraindications for pregnancy, but the changes in the thoracic cavity caused by these deformities can result in respiratory function decline, which becomes more apparent in the third trimester, which could likely cause pulmonary infection that is difficult to treat. In the future, studies investigating prenatal care procedures, timing of pregnancy termination, and appropriate delivery method are warranted.