Do I Have Pectus Carinatum?

Do you have an irregular shape of the chest wall with the sternum (the breastbone) protruding outward?

Do you have rapid breathing?

Do you have shortness of breath upon exertion or exercise?

Do you have a chest pain?

Do you have a lateral curvature of the spine?

Do you have an absence of the curve of the upper back?

Do you have hooked shoulders?

Do you have a broad thin chest?

Do you have fatigue (feeling tired and weak)?

Do you have fast heart rate (tachycardia)?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have pectus carinatum. Pectus carinatum is a medical condition that refers to a deformity of the chest wall in which the sternum (the breast bone) and the ribs protrude outward. The exact cause of pectus carinatum is not known, but it is often the result of the accelerated growth of the cartilage that connects the ribs with the sternum, from the bones around it. Pectus carinatum can run in the family. Although a child is born with a deformity, it is often noticed only when a child reaches puberty. It is more common in boys than in girls.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have pectus carinatum. Pectus carinatum is a birth deformity of the chest wall in which the breastbone (the sternum) protrudes outward more than usual. It is typically the result of a disorder of cartilage growth that joins the ribs to the sternum. Pectus carinatum in teenagers is usually an aesthetic problem. However, in some cases, this deformity can cause breathing problems (shortness of breath), especially during exercise. A diagnosis is based on a physical examination and a chest X-ray from the front and side. Imaging tests can help determine the severity of the deformity.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have pectus carinatum. Pectus carinatum is a medical condition that is also known as chicken breast or pigeon breast. It represents a deformity of the chest wall in which the breastbone sticks out more than usual. About 15 percent of children with pectus carinatum will develop a condition in which the spine has an abnormal curve, called scoliosis. In mild cases of pectus carinatum, treatment is usually not necessary. The more severe conditions may be treated with a customized brace that gradually reshapes the chest. In rare cases, your doctor may recommend surgery.