Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41865359›Full record

ArticleSpine deformity2026

Delayed hemothorax in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis 5-year post-spinal fusion.

Phillip Alexeev, Joshua Jimenez, Manav Patel, Keonmin Hwang, Maruf Sarwar, Ryan Snowden

Abstract readCase Reports
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Article in Spine deformity, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Phillip AlexeevThomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, Belmont University, 1314 Acklen Ave, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA. Phillip.alexeev@bruins.belmont.edu.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0006-5943-8260
Joshua JimenezThomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, Belmont University, 1314 Acklen Ave, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0009-9471-0604
Manav PatelThomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, Belmont University, 1314 Acklen Ave, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0005-4144-4788
Keonmin HwangThomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, Belmont University, 1314 Acklen Ave, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.
Maruf SarwarWhite River Medical Center, Batesville, AR, USA.
Ryan SnowdenThomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, Belmont University, 1314 Acklen Ave, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0000-3380-3895

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is commonly managed with posterior spinal fusion (PSF) and thoracic pedicle screw fixation. While vascular complications are typically acute, delayed hemothorax occurring years after surgery is exceedingly rare. This report describes a unique case of delayed hemothorax secondary to thoracic pedicle screw proximity to the descending thoracic aorta.

methodsAn 18-year-old female presented with chest pain and dyspnea 5 years after T4-L3 posterior thoracic fusion for AIS. Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) revealed a large left pleural effusion, and thoracentesis confirmed hemothorax. Detailed imaging review demonstrated a left T6 pedicle screw tip contacting the posterior wall of the descending aorta. A multidisciplinary surgical team performed thoracoscopic evaluation followed by elective hardware removal.

resultsThoracoscopy showed localized inflammatory changes without active extravasation. Under controlled conditions, the left T4-L3 instrumentation was safely removed, including the high-risk T6 screw.

conclusionThis case illustrates an exceptionally delayed vascular complication after thoracic spinal instrumentation. Long-term surveillance and thorough imaging review should be considered in patients with late-onset thoracic symptoms, even years after fusion.

Indexed as

HemothoraxPedicle ScrewsPostoperative ComplicationsScoliosisSpinal FusionAdolescentAorta, ThoracicComputed Tomography AngiographyFemaleHardware RemovalHumansThoracic VertebraeTime Factorsaortic injuryDelayed vascular complicationscoliosisthorcacic pedicle screw

Identifiers

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.