title: Pectus excavatum.
abstract: Pectus excavatum is a congenital chest wall defect that can cause a marked cosmetic defect with attendant psychologic trauma and limitations of peak physical performance. Close observation of pectus excavatum is indicated, because this condition may improve or even disappear without treatment in some patients. However, in appropriate patients, timely surgical repair can give good cosmetic results and improve cardiorespiratory function, providing both physical and psychologic benefits.
authors.affiliation: Royston Medical Associates, Georgia.
authors.forename: H W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Crump
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005660:Funnel Chest / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male