Pectus excavatum is a congenital deformity (present at birth) that causes the sternum to be depressed into the chest causing a "caved-in" or sunken look.
The deformity is often incorrectly considered by doctors to be a cosmetic rather than functional problem, but recent studies have shown pectus excavatum to cause decreased cardiac and respiratory function, and sometimes pain in the chest and back.* Untreated patients, especially youths, can experience negative psychosocial effects throughout their lives, avoiding activities where a shirt is not worn.
The condition usually progresses during the time of rapid bone growth in the early teenage years. Estimates for the prevalence of this condition range from one in 150 to 1000 children. Though the cause is not certain, the male/female ratio is 3 to 1, and occurrences of the condition in family members have been reported in 35% to 45% of cases.*
More on [ Pectus excavatum ]

Corrective Procedure for Pectus Excavatum and Pectus Carinatum - Introduction to the method developed by Dr. Arnold Leonard to correct Pectus excavatum (PE) and carinatum (PC).
Nutrition and Pectus excavatum - Part of Sandy Simmons' Health and Logic site, exploring nutritional influences in many connective tissue and other health problems, including pectus, rickets/osteomalacia and other structural abnormalities affected by nutrient deficiencies or nutrient processing problems.
Meta Description: [ Reviews nutrition as a factor in pectus excavatum. Reviews pectus excavatum as a feature of rickets and connective tissue disorders. ]
Pectus Excavatum - Information on the condition with profile, weblog, forum and other useful links.
Meta Description: [ An information site on Pectus Excavatum profiling a young adult with the condition. Includes Pectus Excavatum images, Pectus Excavatum resource links, Pectus Excavatum discussion forum, Pectus Excavatum journal of events, Pectus Excavatum and training, Pectus Excavatum correction and followup. ]
Pectus Excavatum Surgical Procedure - A child's experience with Pectus Excavatum Surgery.
Pectus excavatum: studiously ignored in the United Kingdom? - Editorial from the Archives of Diseases in Children.
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Pectus Info Pages - Information on quality of life from a personal perspective.
Pectus Ireland - Information website for Pectus Excavatum and Pectus Carinthium 'afflictees' in Ireland and the UK.
Meta Description: [ Pectus excavatum information for ireland. ]
UK Pectus Excavatum and Pectus Carinatum Information Site - UK Pectus Excavatum and Pectus Carinatum Information Site
Meta Description: [ UK Pectus Excavatum and Pectus Carinatum Information Site ]
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