Pectus excavatum is clearly visible as a sunken portion in the center of a child's chest. This may cause a child concern. Some children with pectus excavatum complain of pain in the wall of their chest. In some cases, the depression may be deep enough to affect the working of the child's heart or lungs. This may limit how much or how strenuously a child can play or be active.
Causes of and Risk Factors
Pectus excavatum is caused by an overgrowth of cartilage as the chest wall is developing before birth. Cartilage is a tough, elastic, fibrous tissue. It makes up most of the skeleton as a baby develops before it is born. The cartilage turns to bone as the baby matures. Cartilage is what makes up the outer portion of the ear and lines the joints of the body.
In pectus excavatum, the cartilage is extra long and pushes the breastbone backward.
Pectus excavatum is four times more common in boys than girls. It tends to run in families. Pectus excavatum often occurs along with other muscle and bone abnormalities such as scoliosis.