Pectus Excavatum

What is it?

Pectus excavatum is a developmental abnormality of the chest where the bones of the chest are deformed, giving it a funnel shape. This can lead to disruption in the normal functioning of chest organs, including the heart and lungs.

Possible Causes

• Genetic factors. Pectus excavatum can be inherited and passed from parents to children.
• Developmental disorders. In some cases, this deformity occurs due to improper growth and formation of the chest bones during the embryonic or early childhood development stages.
• Other conditions. Some diseases, such as Marfan syndrome, can contribute to the development of pectus excavatum.

Symptoms

• Deformation of the chest resembling a funnel.
• Difficulty breathing and chest pain.
• Fatigue during physical activity.
• Cardiovascular problems.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Medical diagnosis. Chest deformity is diagnosed using radiological tests and computed tomography (CT) scans.
• Surgical intervention. In some cases, surgery is necessary to correct the deformity and improve the function of the respiratory organs.
• Physical therapy. Rehabilitation after surgery and the use of orthopedic devices to improve the position of the chest.