Difference between funnel chest and pigeon chest

Written by Zhang Zhi Gong
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum are both types of deformities of the anterior chest wall, with pectus excavatum being the most common deformity, accounting for 90% of all anterior chest wall deformities; the incidence of pectus carinatum is only one-fifth to one-sixth of that of pectus excavatum. The shapes of pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum are also completely different. Pectus excavatum appears as if a funnel were placed on the chest, with the funnel receding backward and downward. Therefore, patients with pectus excavatum, when lying down, can observe a depression in the front of their chest, which is even capable of holding a cup of water placed within this funnel-like depression. On the other hand, the deformity in pectus carinatum protrudes forward. One caves inward while the other protrudes forward, thus these two shapes are completely opposite.

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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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How to correct pigeon chest in children

Treatment should be decided based on the specific condition of the child's pigeon chest. For mild to moderate pigeon chest, especially in children, where there is no compression on the heart and lungs, conservative treatment should generally be considered. The best method for correction is to pay attention to posture and engage in appropriate physical exercise. Additionally, a thoracic orthotic can be used; the effects of wearing a thoracic orthotic for correcting mild to moderate pigeon chest are generally quite positive. For severe pigeon chest, particularly when there is compression affecting the heart and lungs and thus impacting cardiac and pulmonary function, surgical treatment should be considered to correct the severe pigeon chest.

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Written by Zhang Zhi Gong
Cardiothoracic Surgery
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Difference between funnel chest and pigeon chest

Pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum are both types of deformities of the anterior chest wall, with pectus excavatum being the most common deformity, accounting for 90% of all anterior chest wall deformities; the incidence of pectus carinatum is only one-fifth to one-sixth of that of pectus excavatum. The shapes of pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum are also completely different. Pectus excavatum appears as if a funnel were placed on the chest, with the funnel receding backward and downward. Therefore, patients with pectus excavatum, when lying down, can observe a depression in the front of their chest, which is even capable of holding a cup of water placed within this funnel-like depression. On the other hand, the deformity in pectus carinatum protrudes forward. One caves inward while the other protrudes forward, thus these two shapes are completely opposite.

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Written by Zhang Zhi Gong
Cardiothoracic Surgery
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The differences between funnel chest and pigeon chest

Pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum are both types of chest wall deformities. Pectus excavatum is the most common form of chest wall deformity, accounting for over 90% of all anterior chest wall deformities, whereas pectus carinatum occurs much less frequently, roughly one-fifth the incidence of pectus excavatum. The main and most apparent difference is that, as the name suggests, pectus excavatum looks as if a funnel were placed in the chest, with the funnel pointing downwards and backwards. Thus, in patients or children with pectus excavatum, the sternum is indented inward and backward, pressing directly towards the spine. This indentation can compress the heart and lungs, potentially distorting and even displacing the heart to one side. In contrast, pectus carinatum involves the sternum protruding outward, resembling the chest of a chicken or a pigeon. Pectus excavatum is characterized by a backward indentation, while pectus carinatum protrudes forward—this is the most direct distinction.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How to treat pectus carinatum?

Pectus carinatum, commonly known as pigeon chest, is a typical chest deformity characterized by a protruding sternum. There are various causes for pigeon chest, such as rickets due to vitamin D deficiency, and some hereditary metabolic diseases may also lead to bone development malformations like pigeon chest. If pigeon chest is caused by rickets, it is necessary to supplement adequate vitamin D, engage in appropriate outdoor activities, and receive sufficient exposure to ultraviolet light. Additionally, mild cases of pigeon chest can be treated with pediatric rehabilitation using active or passive methods for correction. In severe cases of chest deformity, surgical correction may be required. Generally, there are no effective solutions for hereditary diseases, and treatment mainly focuses on managing the symptoms accordingly. Therefore, if a child is suspected of having pigeon chest, it is advised to consult a specialist at a hospital to assess the child's condition and provide corresponding treatment.

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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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Symptoms of pigeon chest in children

Most cases of pectus carinatum in children are quite clear and often show no symptoms. Visually, the child's chest will protrude forward. In some severe cases, pectus carinatum can cause compression of pulmonary edema, thereby affecting the child's cardiopulmonary function, resulting in poor physical stamina, symptoms like chest tightness, palpitations, and shortness of breath after activities. However, in most cases, patients with pectus carinatum may not show any symptoms, with only visible changes in appearance.