Pectus excavatum

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Pectus Excavatum

Pectus excavatum (pronounced: PEK-tus eks-ka-VA-tum), also known as funnel chest or sunken chest, is a congenital deformity of the anterior thoracic wall in which the sternum and rib cage grow abnormally. This produces a caved-in or sunken appearance of the chest. It can either be present at birth or not noticeable until puberty.

Etymology

The term "pectus excavatum" is derived from Latin, with "pectus" meaning "chest" and "excavatum" meaning "excavated" or "hollowed out".

Symptoms

Symptoms of pectus excavatum can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals may experience no symptoms at all, while others may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or rapid heart rate. In severe cases, pectus excavatum can interfere with the function of the heart and lungs.

Causes

The exact cause of pectus excavatum is unknown, but it is believed to be a result of abnormal growth of the connective tissue that joins the ribs to the breastbone. This causes the sternum to grow inward. Pectus excavatum is often seen in people with certain genetic disorders, such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Treatment

Treatment for pectus excavatum depends on the severity of the condition and the symptoms experienced by the individual. In mild cases, no treatment may be necessary. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to correct the deformity. The most common surgical procedures are the Nuss procedure and the Ravitch procedure.

Related Terms

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