[Severe congenital thoracic-lumbar scoliosis in pregnancy. A case report and review of the literature].

: The authors describe a case report of a patient affected by congenital thoraco-lumbar scoliosis of a severe degree, aged 32, para 0, gravida 1. She was submitted to orthopedic surgery in childhood. Cesarean section was performed at the 37th week of amenorrhoea. Pregnancy in severe defects of the spine, though becoming more and more uncommon, can still be encountered. Severe congenital scoliosis is a clinical problem; it affects not only the size and shape of the pelvis, but also sometimes results in significant maternal cardiovascular and respiratory complication. The authors, reviewing the literature, evaluate the anatomical and functional (from a biomechanical point of view) derangement of the pelvis, the problem of vaginal delivery and the clinical and radiological assessment of the problem, especially evaluating the cardio-pulmonary function. In conclusion, pregnancy in patients with severe scoliosis can be managed successfully by close monitoring especially of the respiratory function. The decision of the route of delivery is related to clinical assessment and obstetric indications.