[Treatment of breastplate deformities: assessment using CT scanning and functional tests]

A study to evaluate both the pre- en postoperative functional and morphologic status of major anterior chest wall deformities. Four of the eight patients suffered from a progressive reduction in physical capabilities. Preoperative pulmonary function tests demonstrated restriction in pulmonary function. In the postoperative period there was progressive return to normal physical strength without objective improvement in pulmonary function. Pre- and postoperative thoracometric study by CT scan allowed us to evaluate the morphologic changes. Two patients with pectus excavatum (funnel chest) demonstrated not only a right-left asymmetry but also A-P compression of the heart without displacement to the left. We consider this to be one of the causes of functional impairment and an absolute indication for corrective surgery.