Funnel Chest
What is funnel chest?
Funnel chest is a birth defect that causes the breastbone to be caved in. Funnel chest usually does not cause any symptoms or complications. Sometimes it can cause problems if the breastbone pushes on the heart and lungs.
This condition is also called sunken chest.
What is the cause?
The exact cause of funnel chest is not known. It may be caused by overgrowth of the tissue that connects the ribs to the breastbone. The abnormal tissue may push the breastbone in.
Funnel chest is more common in males. You are more likely to have it if other people in your family have it. Most of the time it’s not related to any other problem. Sometimes it may occur along with the following conditions:
- Marfan syndrome, which is an inherited disease that weakens the tissue that normally gives strength and support for your body
- Rickets, which is a problem with bone growth caused by a lack of vitamin D or calcium
- Scoliosis, which causes the spine to curve to the right or left rather than run straight down the back
- Mitral valve prolapse, which is a problem with one of the valves that help control blood flow through the heart
What are the symptoms?
The chest curves inward instead of outward and looks sunken. Often it can be seen at birth. The indentation of the chest may get worse in the teen years. It usually stays the same in adulthood.
Other than a sunken breastbone area, most people don’t have symptoms. If the condition is severe, symptoms may include:
- Chest or back pain
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms and medical history and examine you. You may have tests such as:
- Chest X-ray
- CT scan, which uses X-rays and a computer to show detailed pictures of the chest
- ECG (also called an EKG or electrocardiogram), which measures and records the heartbeat
- Echocardiogram, which uses sound waves (ultrasound) to see how well the heart is pumping
- Blood tests
- Breathing tests to see how well your lungs are working
How is it treated?
If you do not have symptoms, you may not need treatment.
If the sunken chest is causing problems with your heart or lungs, your healthcare provider may suggest surgery. Metal supports may be put inside your chest to raise your breastbone to a more normal position. They are usually removed after a year or two. Surgery can improve your posture and help your heart and lungs work better.
How can I help take care of myself?
- Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Ask your provider:
- What exercises you can do to keep good posture, especially to help your breathing
- What activities you should avoid
- How to take care of yourself at home
- What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them
- Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup.
Funnel Chest: References
“Pectus Excavatum Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Surgery (aka funnel chest).” Cleveland Clinic. Reviewed on: 6/26/2007. Accessed December 27, 2012 from http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/pectus_excavatum/hic_pectus_excavatum.aspx.
“Pectus Excavatum.” Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2012. Accessed December 27, 2012 from http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/CareAndTreatment/Orthopaedics/PectusExcavatum.aspx.
Boston Children’s Hospital. Pectus Excavatum. © 2005-2011. Accessed 4/2013 from http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site2052/mainpageS2052P0.html.
Cleveland Clinic. Pectus excavatum. 11/2010. Accessed 11/2013 from http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/pectus_excavatum/hic_pectus_excavatum.aspx.
Hebra, MD, Andre , and Michael Bye, MD. “Pectus Excavatum .” Medscape: Medscape Access. Updated May 1, 2012. Accessed December 27, 2012 from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1004953-overview.
Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 19th Edition, 2011 pages 1516-1517.