Question
A patient suffers from congenital pectus excavatum, characterized by the ribs and costal bones Depressioning into the spine in a funnel shape, with the sternum shifted to one side, and deformities occurring from the third to the seventh rib. This deformity not only suffers from peer mockery, causing the patient to feel inferior, but more concerning is, what health hazards might this thoracic deformity bring?
Answer
Pectus excavatum is a deformity where the sternum and ribs inwardly and posteriorly Depression, resembling a boat-like or funnel shape. This deformity may lead to compression of the cardiopulmonary organs, with the heart often shifting to the left chest in most cases. Patients often exhibit a distinctive weak posture, such as a straight neck, rounded shoulders, and an protruding abdomen. The deepest Depression occurs at the junction of the sternum and xiphoid process, sometimes associated with family heredity or congenital heart disease. Severe thoracic deformities caused by pectus excavatum can compress the chest organs such as the heart and lungs to varying degrees, even causing heart displacement and affecting lung ventilation function. Some patients may experience irregular heartbeat and systolic murmurs. Additionally, pectus excavatum is sometimes associated with diseases such as underdeveloped lungs, Marfan syndrome, asthma, and is prone to…