Pectus Excavatum: Effects on Respiratory and Cardiac Functions
Updated: Aug 1
Pectus excavatum, also known as shoemaker's chest, is a chest wall deformity characterized by an inward depression of the rib cage. This deformity can adversely affect respiratory and cardiac functions.
Effect on Respiratory Functions
Pectus excavatum can impair the normal development and function of the lungs by distorting the shape of the rib cage (Shamberger, 2010). This can lead to the following problems:
- Decreased respiratory capacity: A sunken rib cage can prevent the lungs from fully expanding and filling. This leads to a decrease in respiratory capacity (Haller et al., 2014).
- Breathing difficulties: The inability of the lungs to fully expand can lead to difficulty breathing and respiratory distress (Nuss and Kelly, 2010).
- Decreased exercise tolerance: Decreased respiratory capacity limits patients' ability to engage in physical activity and exercise (Kelly and Shamberger, 2016).
Impact on Heart Functions
Pectus excavatum can also negatively affect the position and function of the heart (Shamberger, 2010):
- Displacement of the heart: The collapse of the rib cage can cause the heart to be displaced and compressed (Haller et al., 2014).
- Decreased cardiac output: Compression of the heart makes it difficult to pump blood, leading to a decrease in cardiac output (Nuss and Kelly, 2010).
- Rhythm disturbances: Displacement and compression of the heart can also cause heart rhythm disturbances (Kelly and Shamberger, 2016).
Early diagnosis and treatment is important
In patients with pectus excavatum, these adverse effects on respiratory and cardiac function can be largely prevented or mitigated by early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Surgical and non-surgical treatment options play an important role in improving patients' quality of life.
In conclusion, pectus excavatum chest wall deformity can adversely affect respiratory and cardiac function. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve patients' quality of life.
Kaynakça:
Haller, J. A., Loughlin, G. M., Lietman, S. A., Neviere, R., & Croitoru, D. P. (2014). Pectus excavatum: a 10-year review of results in 224 patients. Journal of Pediatric Surgery, 49(7), 1211-1216.
Kelly, R. E., & Shamberger, R. C. (2016). Pectus excavatum. In Pediatric Surgery (pp. 1021-1036). Springer, Cham.
Nuss, D., & Kelly Jr, R. E. (2010). Minimally invasive surgical correction of chest wall deformities in children (Nuss procedure). In Seminars in Pediatric Surgery (Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 166-177). WB Saunders.
Shamberger, R. C. (2010). Congenital chest wall deformities. Current problems in surgery, 47(8), 586-650.
Citations:
[1] https://www.engellilerkonfederasyonu.org.tr/pektusun-hafizasi-olmak-istiyoruz/
[2] https://www.solunum.org.tr/TusadData/Book/807/1252020131242-KISIM-2-DOGUMSAL-GOGUS-DUVARI--BOLUM-3-Pektus-Karinatum.pdf
[3] https://www.pektusklinik.com/pektus-karinatum
[4] http://www.pektus.com
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