Abstract
We report two cases of Quasimodo syndrome (kyphoscoliosis with respiratory disorder on sleep), who developed respiratory failure and right heart failure. The first case was a 40-year-old woman who developed severe hypoxemia, hypercapnia and congestive heart failure. She was intubated and mechanically ventilated with pressure support ventilation (PSV) for 7 days. The second case was a 44-year-old woman who was intubated to treat CO2 narcosis and right heart failure. She was mechanically ventilated with PSV for 5 days. Both cases were weaned from PSV and extubated. However, both needed respiratory support during sleep, and were successfully treated with bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAPTM) by nasal mask. BiPAPTM seems to be effective and useful in managing patients with Quasimodo syndrome. However, it is important to detect sleep apnea syndrome or sleep hypopnea syndrome, which are not readily apparent, in the treatment of Quasimodo syndrome.
