Summary about Disease
Pectus excavatum, also known as "funnel chest," is a congenital chest wall deformity characterized by a sunken or caved-in appearance of the sternum (breastbone). The severity can range from mild, barely noticeable indentation to a deep depression that can compress the heart and lungs. It's more common in males than females.
Symptoms
Visible indentation of the chest
Shortness of breath, especially during exercise
Decreased exercise tolerance
Chest pain
Heart palpitations
Frequent respiratory infections
Fatigue
Murmurs
Tachycardia
Causes
The exact cause of pectus excavatum is unknown. It is generally believed to be caused by an overgrowth of the costal cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum, pushing the sternum inward. It can sometimes run in families, suggesting a genetic component, but most cases occur sporadically.
Medicine Used
There are no medications to cure or correct pectus excavatum. Pain relievers (e.g., NSAIDs) may be used to manage chest pain.
Is Communicable
No, pectus excavatum is not a communicable disease. It is a structural birth defect and is not contagious.
Precautions
There are no specific precautions to prevent pectus excavatum as it is congenital.
How long does an outbreak last?
Pectus excavatum is not an outbreak-related illness. It is a chronic condition that is present from birth or develops during childhood.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Examination: A visual assessment of the chest.
Chest X-ray: To visualize the sternum and rib cage.
CT Scan: To assess the severity of the depression and potential compression of the heart and lungs.
Echocardiogram: To evaluate heart function.
Pulmonary Function Tests: To assess lung capacity and function.
MRI: To assess chest structers
Timeline of Symptoms
Pectus excavatum is often present at birth or develops during childhood or adolescence, often worsening during growth spurts.
Symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain may become more noticeable as the individual ages and the deformity becomes more pronounced.
Important Considerations
The severity of pectus excavatum varies greatly. Mild cases may not require treatment.
Surgical correction (Nuss procedure or Ravitch procedure) may be considered for moderate to severe cases causing significant functional or cosmetic concerns.
Psychological impact: Pectus excavatum can affect self-esteem and body image, particularly during adolescence. Counseling or support groups may be helpful.
Monitoring is important: Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is recommended to monitor the progression of the condition and assess the need for intervention.