Exam

Pectus Carinatum

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Pectus Carinatum, Pectus Carinatus, Pigeon Breast

  • Epidemiology
  1. Much less common than Pectus Excavatum
  2. More common in males by ratio of 4:1
  • Causes and associated conditions
  1. Family History in 30% of cases
  2. Rickets
  3. Marfan's Syndrome
  4. Congenital Heart Disease
  5. Scoliosis (asymmetric thorax)
  6. Poland's Syndrome
  • Pathophysiology
  1. Softened upper ribs bend forwards
  2. Progresses as child grows
  • Signs
  1. Opposite of Pectus Excavatum
  2. Narrow thorax with increased anteroposterior diameter
  3. Sternum protrudes from chest like keel of ship
  • Complications
  1. Significant cosmetic concerns
  • References
  1. Degowin (1987) Bedside Exam, Macmillan, p. 274
  2. Townsend (2001) Sabiston Surgery, p. 1169-70