Pectus excavatum

Alternative names:

funnel chest

Home care:

No specific care is indicated for this condition.

Call your health care provider if:

• breathing difficulty develops (very rare).

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting pectus excavatum in detail may include:

• When did you first notice this?
• Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same?
• Have any other family members had an unusual-shaped chest?
• What other symptoms are also present?

Physical examination:
An infant with pectus excavatum may have other symptoms and signs that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition.

Diagnostic tests:
Laboratory studies such as chromosome studies, enzyme assays, X-rays, or metabolic studies may be ordered to confirm the presence of a suspected disorder. No specific therapy is needed. Surgery is cosmetic.

Intervention:
This cosmetic condition can be surgically repaired. Surgery can simply remove excessive cartilage tissue, resulting in a normal chest shape.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to pectus excavatum, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.