Pectus Excavatum & Pectus Carinatum

These are both medical conditions that involve the chest.  

Pectus Excavatum is the medical term used when the ribs and breast bone (also known as the sternum) look caved in.

Pectus Carinatum is the medical term used when the ribs and breast bone (also known as the sternum) stick out.

Your child can have this condition on both sides of the chest.

• One side maybe more affected than the other.

• Some children may have pectus excavatum on one side and pectus carinatum on the other side.

Unfortunately, no one knows why some kids are born with these conditions.

Researchers do think it may be caused by the way the cartilage forms that connects the ribs to the breast bone.

Researchers do know it is more common in some families.

Other medical conditions that have been linked with Pectus Carinatum and Pectus Excavatum:

• Marfan Syndrome

• Trisomy 21

• Scoliosis

• Osteogenesis Imperfecta (this condition causes brittle bones)

• Homocystinuria (with this condition the body has a harder time making the right protein for body parts).

• Edward Syndrome (this condition affects growth and development of a baby’s body and brain).

• Morquio Syndrome (this condition affects the way a child’s bones grow).

Your child may not have any symptoms if their condition is mild.

Since both of these conditions affect your child’s chest, any symptoms your child has comes from pressure on their lungs and heart.

With Pectus Excavatum, if your child has a large dent in their chest they may have:

• chest pain.

• a rapid heart beat.

• coughing or wheezing.

• tiredness.

• a harder time when exercising.

• worsening of symptoms as they grow.

• the same symptoms once they are done growing.

With Pectus Carinatum it is not usually noticed until 11 years or older and boys are affected more than girls.  

• Symptoms your child may have if severe enough:

  • chest pain.

  • a rapid heart beat.

  • tiredness.

  • a harder time when exercising.

  • may develop asthma.

  • may have a lot of lung infections.

  • worsening of symptoms as they grow.

  • the same symptoms once done growing.

Your child’s healthcare provider will ask you and your child (if old enough to answer) some questions about:

• your child’s symptoms.

• your family’s medical history.

Your child’s healthcare provider will examine your child.

If your child’s healthcare provider has concerns:

• your child may need an xray.

• your child may need a pulmonary function test, where they blow into a tube to see how well they can move air in and out of their lungs.

• your child may be referred to a specialist for help with their symptoms.

There is no way to prevent these conditions, as the cause of them is unknown.

if your child is not having any symptoms or discomfort, then no treatment is needed.

If your child is having symptoms, there are different treatment options.

• Some children need physical therapy to help strengthen their chest muscles.

• Some children with pectus carinatum may need to wear a special brace around their chest.

  • This is an example:

    

• Some children with pectus excavatum may need a special vacuum bell device for their chest.

  • This device helps to pull out the chest, so that with time it stays in that position.

  • This is an example:

    

• For severe problems with their heart or lungs, some children may need surgery.

You are concerned about how your child’s chest looks.

Your child is having any trouble with breathing.

Your child has told you their heart “feels funny or different’.

You have any further questions or concerns.

You think your child needs to be seen.