UK Pectus Excavatum and Pectus Carinatum
Information Site

What is Pectus Excavatum/Carinatum?

What is Pectus anomaly?
Pectus anomaly describes a deformity with the sternum (breastbone).
There are two main types of anomaly:

Pectus excavatum (PE, or “funnel chest”/”sunken chest”) in which
the sternum is depressed, and so the chest looks hollow

and…

Pectus carinatum (PC, or “pigeon chest”) in which the sternum is
raised and so the chest pushed out
There is also a rare third type of anomaly called pectus arcuatum.
This is where there is a ridge high across the upper part of the
sternum and so the rest of the chest falls away to a flatter shape.
Pectus anomalies occur in approximately 4 people in every 1,000 and
are more common in men. Anomalies vary from mild to very
marked.

What causes pectus excavatum/carinatum?
Pectus anomalies are thought to be caused by poorly coordinated
and possibly excessive growth of the costal (rib) cartilages. The
anomaly occurs at the junction of the ribs and sternum (breast bone)
where the growing part of each rib – the cartilage – is located.
Overgrowth of the cartilage causes the ribs and cartilages to
“buckle” and pushes the sternum either inwards (pectus excavatum)
or outwards (pectus carinatum).

Certain conditions are associated with pectus anomaly, including
scoliosis (where the spine curves and becomes deformed), Marfan’s
syndrome (an inherited disorder of the connective tissue) and
Poland’s syndrome (a rare inherited condition which involves the
absence or underdevelopment of the chest muscles on one side of
the body).

A pectus anomaly is often seen at birth but usually becomes more
obvious during early adolescence when growth is rapid. Once
growth is complete the anomaly remains the same.

Pectus Excavatum

Pectus Carinatum