Pectus carinatum

Alternative names:

chicken breast; pigeon breast

Home care:

No specific care is indicated for this condition.

Call your health care provider if:

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 carinatum may include:

• When did you first notice this?
• Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same?
• What other symptoms are also present?

Physical examination:
An infant with pectus carinatum 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.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to pectus carinatum to your personal medical record.

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial