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Ribcage
Ribcage
Bowed chest (pigeon breast)
Bowed chest (pigeon breast)

Pectus carinatum
Definition:
Pectus carinatum describes a protrusion of the chest over the sternum, often described as giving the person a bird-like appearance.

Alternative Names:
Pigeon breast

Considerations:

Pectus carinatum may occur as a solitary abnormality or in association with other genetic disorders or syndromes. The condition causes the sternum to protrude, with 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 normal hearts and lungs, but the deformity may prevent these from functioning optimally. There is some evidence that pectus carinatum may prevent complete expiration of air from the lungs in children. These young people may have a decrease in stamina, even if they do not recognize it.

Apart from the possible physiologic consequences, pectus deformities can have a significant psychologic impact. Some children live happily with pectus carinatum. For others, though, the shape of their chest can lower their self-image and self-confidence and disrupt their connections with others.
Common Causes:

Home Care:
No specific care is indicated for this condition.
Call your health care provider if:
Call your health care provider if you notice that your child's chest seems abnormal in shape.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting pectus carinatum 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 also present?

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
An infant with pectus carinatum may have other symptoms and signs that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Pulmonary function testing may be useful to determine the impact of the deformity on the performance of the heart and lungs. Laboratory studies such as chromosome studies, enzyme assays, X-rays, or metabolic studies may be ordered to confirm the presence of a suspected disorder.

INTERVENTION
Surgical correction is a possible treatment option. There have been some reports of improved exercise capability and normalization of lung perfusion scans after surgery.

Surgery may also have significant psychologic and social benefits for some children.

AFTER SEEING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
You may want to add a diagnosis related to pectus carinatum to your personal medical record.
Review Date: 8/29/2002
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previous review: Elizabeth Hait, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. (5/20/2002).
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