pectus carinatum


pectus

 [pek´tus] thorax.pectus carina´tum a malformation of the chest wall in which the sternum is abnormally prominent. Moderate cases cause no difficulties and require no treatment; in severe cases the deformity may interfere with lung and heart action, causing dyspnea on exercise and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Serious malformations can usually be corrected by surgery. Called also pigeon breast or chest and chicken breast.pectus excava´tum a congenital malformation of the chest wall characterized by a funnel-shaped depression with its apex over the lower end of the sternum; it is caused by shortening of the central portion of the diaphragm, which pulls the sternum backward during inhalation, and by the growth of ribs. Except in mild cases, it decreases the ability of the child to engage in sustained exercise. It also delays recovery from coughs and colds, reduces the ability to eat a full meal (so that most patients are underweight), and often produces a functional heart murmur. Noisy breathing may occur during sleep. A child may develop an emotional problem because of embarrassment over the deformity. It can be satisfactorily corrected by surgery. Called also funnel breast or chest and koilosternia.

pec·tus ca·ri·na·'tum

flattening of the chest on either side with forward projection of the sternum resembling the keel of a boat. Synonym(s): chicken breast, keeled chest, pigeon breast, pigeon chest
Pectus carinatum is a far less common (ratio, 1:3 to 1:13) chest wall deformity than pectus excavatum; it is more common in men (2–3:1). While it is generally asymptomatic, cardiorespiratory symptoms in the form of palpitations, dyspnea, and wheezing are not uncommon, may be accentuated during exercise and disappear after surgery. Bronchial and pulmonary symptoms of asthma and chronic bronchitis occur in 16.4% of the patients. Because the physical deformity can evoke ridicule from their peers, these patients are often introverted with low self-esteem and tend to avoid appearing in public venues or engaging in sports in which they may have to remove their shirts. Some degree of kyphosis is present in most patients
Physical examination Anterior displacement of the sternum, adjacent cartilage, and anterior rib cage due to abnormal pulling by respiratory muscles on soft bone, enlargement of costochondral junctions and flattening of thorax, a finding typical of advanced rickets, deep depression of the costal cartilage on each side of the sternum; it is most apparent below the nipple, involving the 4th to 7-8th costal cartilages

pectus carinatum

 Pigeon-breast, see there.

pec·tus ca·ri·na·tum

(pek'tŭs kar'i-nā'tŭm) Flattening of the thorax (chest) on either side with forward projection of the sternum resembling the keel of a boat.
Synonym(s): chicken breast.

pectus

(pek'tus) plural.pectora [L.] The chest.

pectus carinatum

Pigeon chest.PECTUS EXCAVATUM

pectus excavatum

A congenital condition in which the sternum is abnormally depressed. Synonym: funnel breast; pectus recurvatum See: illustration

pectus recurvatum

Pectus excavatum.

Pectus carinatum

An abnormality of the chest in which the sternum (breastbone) is pushed outward. It is sometimes called "pigeon breast."Mentioned in: Marfan Syndrome

Patient discussion about pectus carinatum

Q. i ate a piece of chicken breast and bone is stuck in my throat what to do A. You should seek medical treatment - if it's stuck high enough the may be to remove it with simple maneuver. Otherwise, the may use endocscopy (a pipe-like device with a camera that helps to get the bone out). It may cause problems such as tearing and causing a hole in your throat or your digestive tract, so it should be removed.

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