Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Pectus excavatum

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Funnel chest


Home Care


Call your health care provider if

Contact your health care provider if:

  • You develop chest pain
  • You develop trouble breathing
  • You feel depressed or angry about your condition
  • You notice decreased exercise tolerance
  • You notice redness, swelling, or discharge from the area

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider perform a physical examination. An infant with pectus excavatum may have other symptoms and signs that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition.

The health care provider will also ask questions about you or your child's medical history, such as:

  • 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 there?

Tests may be done to rule out suspected disorders. These tests may include:

  • Chromosome studies
  • Enzyme assays
  • Metabolic studies
  • X-rays

Pulmonary or cardiac function tests may be done to determine how severely the lungs and heart are affected.

This condition can be surgically repaired. Surgery is generally advised if you have other problems, such as trouble exercising. In addition, some people undergo surgery for cosmetic reasons. Your health care provider can help you make decisions about your therapy.


Review Date: 11/15/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)