Presentation
Depressed sternum on clinical examination.
Patient Data
The right heart border is not visible, with displacement of the heart shadow towards the left side.
The ribs posteriorly are more horizontally oriented and anteriorly appear more vertically oriented resulting in heart-shaped ribs.
Increased density of the right inferomedial lung zone representing the right hilum.
On the lateral view, posterior depression of the sternum is seen, indicating pectus excavatum.
No consolidations or pleural effusion.
Postoperative changes are noted showing a metallic device overlying the lower chest fixating it, a so-called Nuss procedure.
Case Discussion
The frontal view demonstrates typical appearances of pectus excavatum. The lateral projection confirms pectus excavatum and the right middle lobe is clear with no evidence of consolidation. The patient later underwent surgery as shown in this case.