Pectus Carinatum Overview
Learn About Pectus Carinatum
Pectus carinatum is present when the chest protrudes over the sternum. It is often described as giving the person a bird-like appearance.
Pigeon breast; Pigeon chest
Pectus carinatum may occur alone or along with other genetic disorders or syndromes. The condition causes the sternum to protrude. There is a narrow depression along the sides of the chest. This gives the chest a bowed-out appearance similar to that of a pigeon.
People with pectus carinatum generally develop a normal heart and lungs. However, the deformity may prevent these from functioning as well as they could. There is some evidence that pectus carinatum may prevent complete emptying of air from the lungs in children. These young people may have less stamina, even if they do not recognize it.
Pectus deformities can also have an impact on a child's self-image. Some children live happily with pectus carinatum. For others, the shape of the chest can damage their self-image and self-confidence. These feelings may interfere with forming connections to others.
Causes may include:
- Congenital pectus carinatum (present at birth)
- Trisomy 18
- Trisomy 21
- Homocystinuria
- Marfan syndrome
- Morquio syndrome
- Multiple lentigines syndrome
- Osteogenesis imperfecta
In many cases the cause is unknown.
No specific home care is needed for this condition.
Contact your health care provider if you notice that your child's chest seems abnormal in shape.
Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your child's medical history and symptoms. Questions may include:
- When did you first notice this? Was it present at birth, or did it develop as the child grew?
- Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same?
- What other symptoms are present?
Tests that may be done include:
- Lung function testing to measure how well the heart and lungs are performing
- Lab tests such as chromosome studies, enzyme assays, x-rays, or metabolic studies
A brace may be used to treat children and young adolescents. Surgery is sometimes done. Some people have gained improved exercise ability and better lung function after surgery.
St Lukes Clinic-Treasure Valley LLC
Jami Silflow is a Family Medicine provider in Boise, Idaho. Dr. Silflow and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pectus Carinatum. Her top areas of expertise are Pectus Carinatum, Vertigo, Pectus Excavatum, and Fainting. Dr. Silflow is currently accepting new patients.
Pediatric SurgeryPediatric TraumaMinimally Invasive SurgeryRobotic SurgeryPediatric Surgical OncologyPediatric General Surgery. . His top areas of expertise are Pectus Excavatum, Pectus Carinatum, Infantile Pyloric Stenosis, Hernia Surgery, and Splenectomy.
Moscow Medical, P.A.
Raymond Paz is a Family Medicine provider in Moscow, Idaho. Dr. Paz and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pectus Carinatum. His top areas of expertise are Bronchitis, Hypertension, Familial Hypertension, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism. Dr. Paz is currently accepting new patients.
Summary: Pectus carinatum is a deformation of the thoracic wall causing an aesthetic prejudice. Since 2011, our team uses a dynamic compression system to treat this deformation. It is a harness that the patient wears all day long for an average duration of 1 year, and that remodels the chest by exerting a moderate pressure on it. The local cohort is one of the largest in the world. The few previous publica...
Summary: Pectus deformities are among the most common anterior chest wall pathologies. Pectus excavatum is the most common chest deformity with an incidence of 0.1-0.3%. In severe deformities, a decrease in lung volume is observed. This can cause decreased pulmonary function and affect the function of the right ventricle. The diaphragm is the main respiratory muscle, and diaphragm contraction is associated...
Published Date: July 01, 2023
Published By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Kelly RE, Martinez-Ferro M. Chest wall deformities. In: Holcomb GW, Murphy JP, St. Peter SD, eds. Holcomb and Ashcraft's Pediatric Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 20.
Wald O, Izhar U, Sugarbaker DJ. Lung, chest wall, pleura and mediastinum. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 58.