Pectus Excavatum: congenital chest deformity

Pectus Excavatum, also known as sunken chest or funnel chest, is a congenital deformity of the chest wall, characterized by a depression of the sternum that produces a concave appearance in the chest.

It is the most common of these deformities, representing almost 95% of cases. It is estimated to affect 1 in every 800-1000 newborns, affecting males more frequently, with a male-to-female ratio of 3:1. It can be visible from birth and may worsen during childhood and adolescence. It does not resolve with age.

Pectus Excavatum is an abnormality of the costal cartilages that join the ribs and sternum, varying in number and intensity. Its cause remains unknown, though it may be considered a hereditary condition.

Some patients with Pectus Excavatum may experience fatigue, difficulty breathing, or some cardiac abnormality, but the vast majority likely will never present clinical symptoms nor consequently have criteria for correction for physical health reasons. The people most likely to seek consultation for this type of pathology tend to be parents with children affected by Pectus Excavatum, especially adolescents with aesthetic concerns, who exhibit changes in social behavior, self-esteem issues, and a tendency toward isolation. This dissatisfaction with physical appearance is one of the most relevant reasons for prescribing corrective treatment, especially if these issues do not resolve and worsen.