Pectus excavatum

Pectus excavatum is named for its characteristic chest wall depression, where the sternum and adjacent costal cartilages sink inward, forming a funnel-shaped deformity. The cause of pectus excavatum is not yet clear, but the most important reason may be abnormal development of the sternum, ribs, or diaphragm. In addition, congenital genetic defects, hereditary diseases, and pathological factors can also lead to pectus excavatum. Males are more susceptible to the condition than females, and individuals with a family history of pectus excavatum are more likely to develop it themselves.