New Radiological Index for Evaluation of Pectus Deformities in Indian Population

Aim : To evaluate the effectiveness of new radiological index for the diagnosis of pectus deformities in Indian population using computed tomography (CT) imaging. Materials and methods : 60 subjects with mild to moderate pectus deformities and 100 controls with age group from 1 to 40 years were evaluated for the study. Non contrast CT images with sagittal, axial sections and 3D reconstructed images were utilized for the measurement of manubriosternal joint (MSJT) angulation as well as sterno-vertebral (SV) distance and transverse diameter (A) of chest. Results : In controls manubriosternal joint showed mean value of 166.6±5.27, in pectus carinatum (PC) MSJT measured about 170±5.2 and in pectus excavatum (PE) MSJT had a value of 157.6±14.57and internal thoracic dimensions like sterno-vertebral distance measured about mean of 91.3±18.12 in controls, 80.24±14.57 in PE and 99.13±15.6 in PC and transverse diameter with a mean of 208.72±33.9in controls, 223.14±28.92 in PE and 192.2±40.96 in PC. Conclusion : Inclusion of MSJT angulation as radiological index alongside of internationally accepted indices like sterno-vertebral distance and transverse diameter of chest would ensure comprehensive assessment of chest wall deformation and help in better understanding of sternal displacement during pectus deformities.