Concave chest (pectus excavatum)

Pectus excavatum is the medical term for an abnormality of the rib cage that results in a caved-in or sunken appearance of the chest. This condition, which is present at birth (congenital), is due to abnormal growth of the connective tissue joining the ribs to the breastbone (sternum). Usually, the abnormality is mild and needs no treatment.

If pectus excavatum is severe, it may affect function of the heart and lungs. But this is rare. Severe pectus excavatum usually is associated with spinal deformities, such as scoliosis. Treatment in such cases may include surgical correction of the deformity.