Alternate Names: Pigeon breast

Considerations:

Pectus carinatum may occur as a solitary abnormality or in association with other syndromes.

People with pectus carinatum have a protruding sternum with a narrow depression along the sides of the chest. This gives the chest a bowed-out appearance similar to that of a pigeon.

The major problem associated with pectus carinatum itself is cosmetic. Pectus carinatum may be associated with other genetic diseases.

Common Causes:

• congenital pectus carinatum (present at birth)
• trisomy 18
• trisomy 21
• homocystinuria
• Marfan’s syndrome
• Morquio syndrome
• multiple lentigines syndrome
• osteogenesis imperfecta

Home Care: No specific care is indicated for this condition.

What To Expect:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting pectus carinatum may include:

• When did you first notice this? Was it present at birth or developed as the child grew.
• Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same?
• What other symptoms are also present?

Physical examination:
An infant with pectus carinatum may have other symptoms and signs that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition.

Diagnostic tests:
Laboratory studies such as chromosome studies, enzyme assays, X-rays, or metabolic studies may be ordered to confirm the presence of a suspected disorder.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to pectus carinatum to your personal medical record.