MediAI

  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.athoracsur.2014.08.026 Pectus excavatum , commonly referred to as funnel chest or sunken chest , is the most prevalent congenital chest wall deformity. Characterized by a concave depression of the sternum and adjacent costal cartilages, this condition can range from a minor cosmetic concern to a severe physiological impairment affecting cardiopulmonary function. In this comprehensive column, we explore the intricate details of Pectus excavatum diagnosis , its underlying pathophysiology , and the revolutionary Nuss procedure that has redefined surgical outcomes. Pathophysiology and Epidemiology The exact pathophysiology of Pectus excavatum involves the overgrowth of the costal cartilages, which displaces the sternum posteriorly. While the precise etiology remains under investigation, it is widely considered a multifactorial condition involving genetic predisposition and connective tissue abnormalities, such as those seen in Marfan syndro...