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Pectus excavatum from chronic upper airway obstruction
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|June 1, 1981
Summary
Enlarged adenoids and tonsils can cause breathing difficulties and chest deformities like pectus excavatum. Surgical removal of these tissues relieved symptoms, suggesting upper airway obstruction as a cause of chest wall deformity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Respiratory Medicine
- Cardiology
Background:
- Pectus excavatum is a congenital chest wall deformity.
- Cardiopulmonary distress can be associated with chest wall deformities.
- Enlarged adenoids and tonsils can cause upper airway obstruction.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with enlarged adenoids and tonsils, concurrent cardiopulmonary distress, and pectus excavatum.
- Both patients experienced relief from cardiorespiratory symptoms and pectus deformity after adenoid and tonsil removal.
Findings:
- Upper airway obstruction due to enlarged adenoids and tonsils can lead to the development of chest wall deformities.
- Surgical intervention to relieve upper airway obstruction effectively resolved associated cardiopulmonary distress and pectus excavatum.
Implications:
- Upper airway obstruction should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric patients presenting with cardiopulmonary distress and pectus excavatum.
- Early identification and treatment of upper airway obstruction may prevent or correct chest wall deformities.
- This finding highlights the significant impact of upper airway patency on thoracic development and function.