Pectus deformity

Abstract

Pectus excavatum is a common abnormality of the chest wall that ranges from a mild cosmetic deformity to a severe condition with crippling effects on cardiac and pulmonary function coupled with associated anomalies. As the condition often changes in severity during periods of growth, it is best to wait until late adolescence when operative repair is indicated, if the clinical status of the child allows a period of observation.