Pectus excavatum is an abnormal inward curve to the breastbone. It may be visible at birth. Growth through adolescence can make the indentation of the chest more apparent. It may continue until it has created a bowl-shape dent in the center of the chest.
Severe forms can create extra pressure on the heart and lungs. This can lead to more serious health problems like shortness of breath and limited physical activities.
The exact cause of pectus excavatum is not known. Some theories include:
- Pressure in womb during pregnancy
- Excessive pulling on breastbone and rib cage from shortened tendons of diaphragm muscles
- Abnormalities in cartilage of the rib cage
- Genetic factors
Pectus excavatum may also be caused by conditions that affect connective tissue or chest structure, such as:
Risk factors include:
- Family history of pectus excavatum
- Gender: more common in boys
Complications from pectus excavatum tend to increase with age due to bone growth and a decrease in the flexibility of the bones.
Pectus excavatum is characterized by an indentation in the front of the chest wall. It may be mild or deep enough to form a bowl shape.
If the indentation is severe enough to affect the heart or lungs you may also have:
- Difficulty exercising
- Unexplained shortness of breath
- Mild chest pain
- Frequent respiratory tract infections (eg, cold , bronchitis , pneumonia ) that last longer than normal
A person with this condition may not have any symptoms during childhood. But as the person grows into an adolescent, he may have symptoms because of of a more pronounced indentation in the chest wall.
Your doctor will:
- Ask about your symptoms
- Take your medical history
- Do a physical exam
Your doctor will often be able to diagnose pectus excavatum after a physical exam.
Additional tests may be done to find out if your heart or lungs are affected. These tests may include:
- CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the chest. This is done to determine if the heart is squashed in the chest.
- Pulmonary function test —a group of tests done to assess breathing ability. They will assess if your lungs have any difficulty moving adequate amounts of air.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)—a test that records the heart’s activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle
- Echocardiogram —a test that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the size, shape, and motion of the heart.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options include:
Surgery may be considered if you:
- Have impairments of the heart or lungs
- Have difficulty with physical activity
- Are uncomfortable with the appearance of your chest
The ideal age for this type of surgery is 7-14 years. But surgery can also be successful in adults, as well. There are two main surgical options:
This surgery involves incisions in the front of the chest. The surgeon will be able to see your breastbone. Some cartilage will be removed from your breastbone and nearby ribs. The surgeon will place the breastbone in its proper position. A metal strut and mesh will be used to support the new position. The metal strut may come out in 6-12 months.
Small incisions are made on either side of the chest. The surgeon will place a metal bar through the incisions and secure it under the breastbone. This bar will push the breastbone into a better position. This bar will remain in the chest for 2-3 years. This will allow the chest time to remodel itself.
Your doctor or physical therapist may recommend exercises or a rehabilitation program. Certain exercises and postural positions may decrease the appearance of mild pectus excavatum.
- Reviewer: J. Thomas Megerian, MD, PhD, FAAP
- Review Date: 07/2012 -
- Update Date: 07/13/2012 -