Pectus excavatum

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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

Pectus excavatum can usually be diagnosed simply by examining the chest. But your doctor may suggest several different types of tests to check for associated problems with the heart and lungs. These tests may include:

  • Chest X-ray. This test can visualize the dip in the breastbone and often shows the heart being displaced into the left side of the chest. X-rays are painless and take only a few minutes to complete.
  • Computerized tomography (CT). A CT scan may be used to help determine the severity of the pectus excavatum and whether the heart or lungs are being compressed. CT scans take many X-rays from a variety of angles to produce cross-sectional images of the body's internal structure.
  • Electrocardiogram. An electrocardiogram can show whether the heart's rhythm is normal or irregular, and if the electrical signals that control the heartbeat are timed properly. This test is painless and involves the placement of more than a dozen electrical leads, which are attached to the body with a sticky adhesive.
  • Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is a sonogram of the heart. It can show real-time images of how well the heart and its valves are working. The images are produced by transmitting sound waves via a wand pressed against the chest.
  • Lung function tests. These types of tests measure the amount of air your lungs can hold and how quickly you can empty your lungs. In some cases, these tests are performed while the person is exercising on a treadmill.
  • Exercise test. This test monitors how well your heart and lungs function while you exercise, usually on a treadmill.
Treatments and drugs Preparing for your appointment
References
  1. Boas SR. Skeletal diseases influencing pulmonary function. In: Kliegman RM. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1608/0.html. Accessed Feb. 17, 2011.
  2. Tzelepis GE, et al. Pectus excavatum. In: Mason RJ, et al. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/192068760-2/0/1288/0.html. Accessed Feb. 17, 2011.
  3. Mayer OH. Pectus excavatum: Etiology and evaluation. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 17, 2011.
  4. Jaroszewski DE, et al. Current management of pectus excavatum: A review and update of therapy and treatment recommendations. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. 2010;23:230.
  5. Mayer OH. Pectus excavatum: Treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 17, 2011.
  6. What is Marfan syndrome? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/mar/mar_whatis.html. Accessed Feb. 18, 2011.
  7. What is scoliosis? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Scoliosis/scoliosis_ff.asp. Accessed Feb. 18, 2011.
  8. What is mitral valve prolapse? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/mvp/mvp_whatis.html. Accessed Feb. 18, 2011.
  9. Sugarbaker DJ, et al. Chest wall deformities: Depression deformities (pectus excavatum). In: Townsend CM Jr, et al. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery: The Biological Basis of Modern Surgical Practice. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1565/0.html. Accessed Feb. 22, 2011.
  10. Jaroszewski DE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz. March 8, 2011.
  11. Kelly RE, et al. Twenty-one years of experience with minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum by the Nuss procedure in 1215 patients. Annals of Surgery. 2010;252:1072.
  12. Nasr A, et al. Comparison of the Nuss and the Ravitch procedure for pectus excavatum repair: A meta-analysis. Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 2010;45:880.
  13. Coelho MS, et al. Pectus excavatum surgery: Sternochondroplasty versus Nuss procedure. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2009;88:1773.
DS01136 April 15, 2011

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