Pectus Excavatum

Pectus Excavatum: Also known as "funnel chest," a congenital deformity where the sternum is sunken inward.

Appearance: Characterized by a concave or caved-in chest appearance, typically in the central chest area.

Cause: Caused by abnormal growth of the rib cartilage that pulls the sternum inward; the exact cause is unclear but may have a genetic component.

Symptoms: Varies; mild cases may have no symptoms, while severe cases can cause breathing difficulties, chest pain, reduced exercise tolerance, and heart compression.

Diagnosis: Diagnosed through physical examination and imaging, such as a CT scan or X-ray, to assess severity and impact on the heart and lungs.

Health Impact: Severe cases can affect lung function and cardiovascular health due to pressure on the heart and lungs.

Associated Conditions: Often associated with connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome or scoliosis.