الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Pectus excavatum (PE), also known as funnel chest or trichterbrust, is by far the most common disorder of chest wall formation. Approximately 90% of patients with chest wall disorders have PE. The incidence is 1 in 300 live births. Pectus carinatum (PC), the next most common disorder of the chest wall, is observed in only 7% of patients with chest wall deformities (Scott C Boulanger, MD, PhD, 2006). Several theories exist regarding the cause of PE; however, the etiology remains obscure. The appearance of PE can range from mild shallow defects to defects in which the sternum almost touches the vertebral bodies (Scott C Boulanger, MD, PhD, 2006). PE is generally present at birth, or it arises shortly thereafter. It is often progressive; the depth increases as the patient grows (Shamberger et al, 1988). |