Alternative names
Pigeon breast

Definition
Pectus carinatum describes a protrusion of the chest over the sternum, often described as giving the person a bird-like appearance.

Considerations

Pectus carinatum may occur as a solitary abnormality or in association with other genetic disorders or syndromes.The condition causes the sternum to protrude, with a narrow Depression along the sides of the chest. This gives the chest a bowed-out appearance similar to that of a pigeon.

People with pectus carinatum generally develop normal hearts and lungs, but the deformity may prevent these from functioning optimally. There is some evidence that pectus carinatum may prevent complete expiration of air from the lungs in children. These young people may have a decrease in stamina, even if they do not recognize it.

Apart from the possible physiologic consequences, pectus deformities can have a significant psychologic impact. Some children live happily with pectus carinatum. For others, though, the shape of the chest can damage their self-image and self-confidence, possibly disrupting connections with others.

Common Causes

 
• Congenital pectus carinatum (present at birth)  
• Trisomy 18  
• Trisomy 21  
• Homocystinuria  
• Marfan’s syndrome  
• Morquio syndrome  
• Multiple lentigines syndrome  
• Osteogenesis imperfecta

Home Care
No specific care is indicated for this condition.

Call your health care provider if
Call your health care provider if you notice that your child’s chest seems abnormal in shape.

What to expect at your health care provider’s office

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting pectus carinatum may include:

 
• When did you first notice this? Was it present at birth, or did it develop as the child grew?  
• Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same?  
• What other symptoms are also present?

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
An infant with pectus carinatum may have other symptoms and signs that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Pulmonary function testing may be useful to determine the impact of the deformity on the performance of the heart and lungs. Laboratory studies such as chromosome studies, enzyme assays, X-rays, or metabolic studies may be ordered to confirm the presence of a suspected disorder.

INTERVENTION
Surgical correction is a possible treatment option. There have been some reports of improved exercise capability and normalization of lung perfusion scans after surgery.

Surgery may also have significant psychologic and social benefits for some children.

Medical Encyclopedia

All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.