What is another name for pectus excavatum?

What is another name for pectus excavatum?

Also called funnel chest, pectus excavatum is more common in boys than in girls.

What is excavatum deformity?

Pectus excavatum is a congenital deformity of the chest wall that causes several ribs and the breastbone (sternum) to grow in an inward direction. Usually, the ribs and sternum go outward at the front of the chest. With pectus excavatum, the sternum goes inward to form a depression in the chest.

What causes funnel chest deformity?

Pectus excavatum is a congenital chest wall deformity that is caused by growth abnormality of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone (sternum). This causes a depression of the sternum and the chest has a “sunken in” or “funnel chest” appearance.

What is the opposite of pigeon chest?

Pectus carinatum is a condition in which the sternum (breastbone) protrudes, or sticks out, more than usual. It is the opposite of pectus excavatum, in which the breastbone is depressed inward and gives the chest a sunken appearance.

What is considered severe pectus excavatum?

A Haller index between 2 and 3.2 is considered a mild deformity; between 3.2 and 3.5, moderate.; 3.5 or greater, a severe deformity.

Why does pectus excavatum occur?

Pectus excavatum is due to too much growth of the connective tissue that joins the ribs to the breastbone (sternum). This causes the sternum to grow inward. As a result, there is a depression in the chest over the sternum, which may appear quite deep.

When does pectus excavatum develop?

Pectus excavatum may not be noticeable at birth. By the age of two or three years, however, it is apparent. It can get worse during childhood and puberty.

Is funnel chest serious?

Pectus excavatum or funnel chest is a deformity that can cause a child’s ribs and breastbone to grow inward giving the chest wall a sunken appearance. In some cases the condition is merely cosmetic, in others it can lead to serious complications involving the heart and lungs.

What is a pectus excavatum deformity?

Pectus excavatum is a congenital deformity of the chest wall that causes several ribs and the breastbone (sternum) to grow in an inward direction. Usually, the ribs and sternum go outward at the front of the chest.

What is pectus excavatum (sunken chest)?

With pectus excavatum, the sternum goes inward to form a depression in the chest. This gives the chest a concave (caved-in) appearance, which is why the condition is also called funnel chest or sunken chest. Sometimes, the lower ribs might flare out. What Causes Pectus Excavatum?

What is the difference between pectus excavatum and funnel chest?

Usually, the ribs and sternum go outward at the front of the chest. With pectus excavatum, the sternum goes inward to form a depression in the chest. This gives the chest a concave (caved-in) appearance, which is why the condition is also called funnel chest or sunken chest. Sometimes, the lower ribs might flare out.

What are the treatment options for mild pectus excavatum?

Mild pectus excavatum in young patients often can be treated at home with a vacuum bell device. In this nonsurgical approach, the bell device is placed on the chest. It’s connected to a pump that sucks the air out of the device, creating a vacuum that pulls the chest forward.