PECTUS CARINATUM Meaning and
Definition
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Pectus carinatum is a medical condition that affects the chest wall, resulting in an abnormal protrusion of the sternum (breastbone) and the cartilage that connects the ribs to it. Also known as pigeon chest or keel chest, it is categorized as a congenital thoracic deformity.
In individuals with pectus carinatum, the sternum is pushed forward, causing the chest to have a protruding or prominent appearance. This abnormality can vary in severity, ranging from a mild protrusion to a more pronounced and noticeable deformity. It usually becomes apparent during adolescence when the rapid growth of the chest occurs.
The exact causes of pectus carinatum are not fully understood, but in some cases, it may be due to abnormal growth or development of the connective tissues in the chest. It has also been associated with certain genetic conditions and can run in families.
Pectus carinatum is primarily a cosmetic concern, as it typically does not cause any significant health problems. However, some individuals may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, and decreased exercise tolerance. Treatment options for pectus carinatum include bracing and surgical interventions. Bracing involves applying pressure to the protruded area to gradually reshape the chest over time. Surgery may be recommended for more severe cases or when bracing doesn't provide satisfactory results.
Overall, pectus carinatum is a chest wall deformity characterized by an abnormal protrusion of the sternum and is primarily a cosmetic concern, but may require treatment in some cases for symptom relief or improved appearance.
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Pigeon-breast, chicken-breast; flattening of the chest on either side with forward projection of the sternum, like the keel of a boat.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PECTUS CARINATUM
- oectus carinatum
- lectus carinatum
- -ectus carinatum
- 0ectus carinatum
- pwctus carinatum
- psctus carinatum
- pdctus carinatum
- prctus carinatum
- p4ctus carinatum
- p3ctus carinatum
- pextus carinatum
- pevtus carinatum
- peftus carinatum
- pedtus carinatum
- pecrus carinatum
- pecfus carinatum
- pecgus carinatum
- pecyus carinatum
- pec6us carinatum
- pec5us carinatum
Etymology of PECTUS CARINATUM
The word "pectus carinatum" is derived from Latin.
- "Pectus" means "chest" in Latin.
- "Carinatum" comes from the Latin word "carina", which means "keel" or "a boat's curved underpart", referring to a boat's hull. In medical terminology, "carinatum" is used to describe an abnormal protrusion or outward bend of the chest wall, resembling the shape of a boat's hull.
So, "pectus carinatum" literally translates to a "keel-shaped chest" in Latin, which accurately describes the condition where the chest wall protrudes outward.
