Pectus Excavatum

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Overview & Considerations

Pectus excavatum is a congenital abnormality that can be mild or fairly marked. The child typically has a depression in the center of the chest over the sternum, and this may appear quite deep. It is caused by excessive growth of the costosternal cartilage (the connective tissue joining the ribs to the breastbone), with resulting inward deformity of the sternum.

If pectus excavatum is severe, it may affect the underlying organs (heart and lungs) leading to exercise intolerance or other problems. In addition, the cosmetic appearance of a pectus excavatum may pose a psychological difficulty.

Pectus excavatum may occur as the only abnormality, or in association with other syndromes.

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