Pectus excavatum

Definitions & Key takeaways

Pectus excavatum is a congenital deformity of the anterior wall of the chest, in which several ribs and the sternum grow abnormally. This produces a caved-in or sunken appearance of the chest. It can either be present at birth or develop in puberty. People with pectus excavatum can also present with chest pain, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. Treatment options for pectus excavatum include observation, bracing, and surgery.