Secondary asphyxiating thoracic dysplasia due to multiple chondromas: a novel surgical report

Asphyxiating Thoracic Dysplasia, also known as Jeune syndrome, is a rare and serious genetic condition, and its incidence in adult populations is even rarer. A 25-year-old male had a 10-year history of chest wall deformity and progressive dyspnea. A complex chest wall reconstruction, along with the excision of bone tumors, was performed in view of critical hypoxia. Mechanical ventilation was persistently required postoperatively. However, the patient did improve and eventually restored proper chest configuration with a special surgical technique. Histopathology demonstrated the presence of multiple osteochondromas of the ribs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of secondary asphyxiating thoracic dysplasia caused by osteochondromas of the ribs.