Pectus Excavatum

Pectus excavatum is a condition in which the "breast bone" (sternum) appears sunken and the chest concave. It is sometimes called "funnel chest". The majority of these cases are not associated with any other condition (isolated findings). However, some syndromes include pectus excavatum.

Marfan's Syndrome

Marfan's syndrome is a disorder of connective tissue which causes skeletal defects typically recognized in a tall, lanky person. A person with Marfan's syndrome may exhibit long limbs and spider-like fingers, chest abnormalities, curvature of the spine and a particular set of facial features including a highly arched palate, and crowded teeth. The most significant of the defects in the syndrome are cardiovascular abnormalities, which may include enlargement (dilatation) of the base of the aorta. Since Marfan's syndrome is usually an inherited disorder, prospective parents with a family history of Marfan's syndrome should get genetic counseling.