Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026
09:17
Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
Published on: March 3, 2023
8.3K
Pectus deformities and their impact on pulmonary physiology.
1Professor of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Chief, Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine, Children's National Medical Center.
Paediatric Respiratory Reviews
|December 4, 2014
Summary
Pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum are common chest wall anomalies with varied symptoms. This review covers their pathophysiology, evaluation, and management, highlighting ongoing controversies in treatment approaches.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic surgery
- Pediatric surgery
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Pectus excavatum (PE) and pectus carinatum (PC) are the most frequent congenital chest wall deformities.
- These conditions present differently and can impact respiratory function, though appearance doesn't always correlate with symptoms.
- Management strategies and optimal timing for intervention remain subjects of debate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding of the pathophysiology of PE and PC.
- To discuss advancements in the evaluation and management of these thoracic cage anomalies.
- To address the controversies surrounding the correction of PE and PC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current concepts and recent advances.
- Synthesis of information on pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment options.
- Analysis of surgical versus conservative management approaches.
Main Results:
- PE and PC are distinct thoracic cage anomalies with variable clinical presentations.
- No direct correlation exists between deformity severity and symptom manifestation.
- Controversies persist regarding the necessity, timing, and method of correction.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the pathophysiology is crucial for effective management of PE and PC.
- Current evaluation methods are evolving, aiding in better patient assessment.
- The debate on optimal surgical versus conservative treatment for PE and PC continues, necessitating individualized patient care.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:08Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
21
Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance...
21
01:10Atelectasis II: Pathophysiology
18
Atelectasis develops when alveoli lose their air and collapse inward. Because lung tissue is naturally elastic, these air sacs shrink rather than remaining open. Collapsed alveoli are no longer ventilated, reducing their role in gas exchange. Blood flow may continue in these regions, creating a ventilation–perfusion mismatch. Clinical findings include decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, reduced chest expansion, and decreased tactile fremitus as sound transmission through...
18
01:24Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity
8.9K
Breathing, otherwise known as pulmonary ventilation, is the process of air movement into and out of the lungs. The main mechanisms propelling pulmonary ventilation are atmospheric pressure (Patm), intra-pulmonary (Ppul ) or intra-alveolar pressure (Palv) within the alveoli, and intrapleural pressure (Pip) within the pleural cavity.
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs...
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs...
8.9K
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
16
Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
16
01:30Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
1.2K
Respiratory system abnormalities are a significant concern in healthcare due to their potential to indicate underlying severe conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia. These abnormalities can often be detected through physical examination methods like inspection and percussion.
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
1.2K
01:17Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
5.3K
In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
5.3K