Complex pectus excavatum in adults: which is the best solution?

Complex pectus excavatum in adults: which is the best solution?

We read with great interest the paper of Puma et al. [1], in which they propose an external longitudinal titanium support after sternochondroplasty for severe asymmetric pectus excavatum repair. Pectus excavatum has probably been the chest deformity with the largest number of proposed techniques for its correction over the years. The very interesting solution proposed by Dr Puma gives rise to a...

Pectus excavatum

Pectus excavatum occurs in approximately 1 in 400 live births. The chest defect becomes progressively worse with growth and in the teenage years can become disabling. Although considered cosmetic, and it is most certainly cosmetic, there are also well documented physiological changes such as decreased effort tolerance and cardiac arrhythmias. The young patients become used to the che t disabili...

Pectus excavatum

In pectus excavatum, a developmental chest-wall deformity that affects approximately one in 400 births, the sternum is depressed inward and the ribs protrude anteriorly. This deformity can compromise pulmonary and/or cardiac function. It can also produce a characteristic radiographic appearance on frontal radiographs, which may be mistaken for right-middle-lobe opacification from pneumonia or a...

Pectus excavatum.

The electrocardiogram in pectus excavatum.

Pectus excavatum is a deformity of the chest that consists of backward displacement of the sternum and costal cartilages giving rise to a depression in the xiphisternal area. This malformation may appear isolated or associated with other anomalies. The occurrence of pectus excavatum with congenital heart disease has been reported by several observers (Evans, 1946; and McKusick, 1955). Embarrass...