Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
Published on: March 3, 2023
Pectus excavatum, not always as harmless as it seems
Ron Winkens1, Frank Guldemond, Paul Hoppener
1Maastricht University, Integrated Care And General Practice, PO Box 5800, Maastricht, 6202 AZ, Netherlands.
Abstract:
Pectus excavatum is usually considered meaningless and without clinical significance. The following case may put a different complexion on the matter. A healthy 59-year-old male patient complained of progressive heart palpitations, fatigue and postural dyspnoea; bending over caused a clear increase of dyspnoea. At repeated examinations no overt abnormality or explanation was found, except a supraventricular arrhythmia and a nodal tachycardia. In the years to follow the symptoms led to considerable physical impairments. Finally, the patient himself, after searching the web, came up with a possible cause: his pectus excavatum. A lateral chest x-ray with the patient bending over and a lateral computed tomography of the thorax revealed an impression of the heart by the sternum. Ten years after the patient's signs and symptoms first appeared, a modified Ravitch procedure was carried out, after which the physical condition of the patient improved rapidly.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Diverticular Disease of the Colon
Bone Markings
Articulating Projections
Articulating projections are found where two bones meet to form a joint. These structures are usually found at the ends of bones. The largest articulation is a rounded projection called the head, supported by a narrow neck at the ends of...
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Pneumothorax-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.