Pectus excavatum is a congenital chest wall deformity that causes the breastbone to grow inward, creating a noticeable and sometimes severe indentation of the chest wall. It is also known as funnel chest, sunken chest, or cobblers chest. The condition is caused by growth abnormality of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone. Pectus excavatum is more common in boys than in girls and is often noticeable shortly after birth, but the severity of the condition typically worsens during the adolescent growth spurt.
In mild cases, the only sign or symptom is a slight indentation in the chest, but in severe cases, pectus excavatum can cause a deep dent in the chest that can put pressure on the lungs and heart, causing problems tolerating exercise, tiredness, chest pain, a rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations, coughing, or wheezing. Severe cases of pectus excavatum can eventually interfere with the function of the heart and lungs.
Healthcare providers diagnose pectus excavatum based on a physical exam. If needed, they might also order tests such as CT scan, chest MRI, echocardiogram, pulmonary function tests, or exercise stress testing to see the severity and degree of compression on the heart and lungs and to test heart and lung function.
Most kids with mild pectus excavatum who arent bothered by their appearance and dont have breathing problems dont need treatment. In some cases, surgery can treat pectus excavatum. Two types of surgery are used: the open (or modified Ravitch) procedure and the minimally invasive repair (or Nuss procedure). The goal of pectus excavatum repair is to relieve pressure on the heart and lungs so they can work better. This typically improves breathing, exercise intolerance, and chest pain.
