Do mechanical factors play an important role in pectus excavatum with thoracic scoliosis?
Mechanical forces appear to play a role in the coexistence of pectus excavatum and scoliosis. There is a relationship between age, severity (Haller index), asymmetry and scoliosis. The heart and mediastinum play a role in providing an outward force to the left of the sternum which may be an important reason for the coexistence of pectus excavatum and scoliosis, but the correlation needs further proof.
In some cases an increased duodenal IEL count may be due to an inappropriate host response to HP. HP screening and eradication should be considered before recommending a gluten-free diet.