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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffPectus 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. 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 compromised. 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.
References
- Boas SR. Skeletal diseases influencing pulmonary function. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/119560986-3/801968939/1608/977.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50418-7--subchapter1_7989. Accessed Feb. 9, 2009.
- Kelly RE, et al. Surgical repair of pectus excavatum markedly improves body image and perceived ability for physical activity: Multicenter study. Pediatrics. 2008;122;1218.
- Pectus excavatum. The American Pediatric Surgical Association. http://www.eapsa.org/parents/resources/pectus_excav.cfm. Accessed Feb. 9, 2009.
- What is Marfan syndrome? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/mar/mar_whatis.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2009.
- 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. 9, 2009.
- 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. 9, 2009.
- Chest X-ray (chest radiography). American College of Radiology. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=chestrad. Accessed Feb. 9, 2009.
- CT: Chest. American College of Radiology. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=chestct. Accessed Feb. 9, 2009.
- What is an electrocardiogram? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ekg/ekg_what.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2009.
- What is echocardiography? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/echo/echo_whatis.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2009.
- Malek MH, et al. Cardiovascular function following surgical repair of pectus excavatum: A meta-analysis. Chest. 2006;130:506.
- Johnson JN, et al. Cardiorespiratory function after operation for pectus excavatum. Journal of Pediatrics. 2008;153:359.
