pectus
(pekĀ“tәs)
thorax.
pectus carinatum
a malformation of the chest wall in which the sternum is abnormally prominent; in severe cases, the deformity may interfere with lung and heart action, causing dyspnea on exercise and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Called also pigeon breast or chest and chicken breast.
pectus excavatum
a congenital malformation of the chest wall characterized by a funnel-shaped depression with its apex over the lower end of
the sternum; it is caused by shortening of the central portion of the diaphragm, which pulls the sternum inwards when the person inhales. Persons with this condition often have difficulty doing sustained exercise, recovering from
coughs and colds, and eating a full meal (so that they may be underweight). Many have heart murmurs and breathe noisily during
sleep. Called also funnel breast or chest and koilosternia.

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