Pectus Excavatum

Pectus excavatum is also known as funnel chest and affects the appearance of the chest. A baby that is born with pectus excavatum will have a caved-in looking chest. During fetal development, too much connective tissue grew from the ribs to the breastbone, causing the sternum to grow inwards.

Although the heart and lungs usually develop properly, breathing and exercise can be difficult or bothersome at times. Doctors can diagnose the condition based on physical appearance because there will generally be a deep depression in the center of the child’s chest.

Otherwise, x-rays or other tests can be performed to diagnose the condition. If the condition affects how the child lives or is particularly bothersome, surgery may be necessary to repair the deformity.