StatPearls

Pectus carinatum or “keel chest,” like its sister condition pectus excavatum, is a congenital deformation of the anterior chest wall. The condition presents with an outward protrusion of the sternum or rib cage.[1] When the sternal manubrium is prominent, the deformity is often called “pigeon breast,” while the more common chondrogladiolar prominence, in which the body of the sternum protrudes, is referred to as “chicken breast.”[2] The deformity can be symmetric or unilateral, with a rightward tilt of the sternum the more common unilateral condition.[3] Unlike pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum is typically not identified shortly after birth but during the teen years when growth is accelerated. It can be perceived as early as age 10, with a peak at 16 years and 18 years in females and males respectively.[4] The condition is often asymptomatic, with patients seeking treatment for cosmetic reasons. When symptoms present, they typically present only as tenderness at the location of the protrusion.[2] Other symptoms related to the decreased compliance of the chest seen in more pronounced cases include dyspnea, tachypnea with exertion, and reduced endurance.[5]