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Condition

Pediatric Pectus Excavatum

What You Need to Know

Pectus excavatum (sometimes called cobbler's chest, sunken chest, or funnel chest) is the most common chest deformity and is caused when several ribs and the sternum grow abnormally, which produces a caved-in or sunken appearance of the chest. 

Key Symptoms

While physical appearance such as a sunken chest or funnel chest are the biggest indicator of pectus excavatum, some other symptoms may include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Fatigue
  • Wheezing
  • Scoliosis
  • Psychological effects

Diagnosis

Pectus excavatum will most likely diagnosed through a physical exam and often supplemented with imaging tests such as:

  • X-rays
  • CT scans

Treatment

In moderate and severe cases, pectus excavatum may require surgery, which has proven very effective at correcting the condition and its psychological and physical effects.

Schedule an Appointment

Our pediatric specialists provide personalized care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional health needs. Meet the providers who treat pectus excavatum and schedule an appointment today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore frequently asked questions about pectus excavatum.

What is pectus excavatum?

What is the treatment for pectus excavatum in children?

What is the thoracoscopic Nuss procedure for children?

Ravitch technique

Departments that Treat Pectus Excavatum

    A boy looking out the window.

    Chest Wall Defects Program

    Although chest wall abnormalities are actually quite common in children, Children's National's team of pediatric specialists have the experience to accurately diagnose the condition and understand how treatment affects a child who is still growing.