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Pectus carinatum

Dr Yuranga Weerakkody and Radswiki et al.

A pectus carinatum (otherwise known as a pigeon chest) refers to a chest wall deformity in which the sternum protrudes anteriorly. It is less common than pectus excavatum.

Clinical presentation

Patients may present with dyspnoea and exercise intolerance.

Pathology

Associations

scoliosis (common ²)
cyanotic congenital heart disease (uncommon)

Familial occurence is reported in approximately 25%.

Radiographic features

A pectus carinatum may be demonstrated on lateral chest radiographs or cross-sectional imaging of the chest. There are two patterns of sternal protrusion :

chondro-gladiolar : protrusion of the middle and lower sternum, and
chondro-manubrial : protrusion of the manubrium and upper sternum. This is a less common variant, and is also known as the Currarino-Silverman syndrome.

Treatment and prognosis

Surgical repair usually results in symptomatic improvement ³. More content required on prognosis.

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