Pectus carinatum, also known as pigeon chest, is a relatively common chest wall deformity characterized by the protrusion of the sternum and ribs in the anterior chest wall. This protrusion can appear ridge-like, hull-like, peak-like, or spherical, and is sometimes accompanied by depressions in the lateral and lower chest wall.
Introduction
Causes
The cause of pectus carinatum involves multiple factors:
1. Congenital developmental abnormality: During fetal development or early childhood, imbalanced growth of the sternum and costal cartilage can cause the sternum and ribs to protrude, resulting in pectus carinatum.
2. Genetic factors: Pectus carinatum may be linked to genetic factors, with individuals having a family history of the condition being more susceptible.
3. Nutritional factors: During their growth and development, children who do not receive sufficient nutrition, particularly in terms of vitamin D and calcium intake, may have poor development of the costal cartilage, subsequently leading to pectus carinatum.
4. Chronic diseases: Certain chronic conditions, such as congenital heart disease and chronic respiratory infection can lead to developmental abnormalities of the chest wall, thus resulting in pectus carinatum.
5. Other factors: In some cases, pectus carinatum may be a secondary manifestation of other diseases or conditions. For example, chest wall trauma or surgical interventions can alter the structure of the chest wall, thus leading to pectus carinatum.
Symptoms
In most cases, since pectus carinatum is a protrusion deformity that does not compress the heart and lungs, many patients do not exhibit noticeable clinical symptoms. However, for patients with severe deformities, the increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest may restrict breathing, leading to decreased elasticity of lung tissue, which manifests as shortness of breath and fatigue. Additionally, some patients may frequently suffer from upper respiratory infections and asthma, resulting in reduced stamina and increased fatigue.
It’s worth noting that chest wall deformities often bring psychological burden to patients, leading to issues such as feelings of inferiority and anxiety. These psychological problems can sometimes cause physical discomfort, such as chest tightness and pain.
