Genetic variants in pectus excavatum

Pectus Excavatum (PEx) is the most common congenital chest wall deformity (incidence 1:400 white Caucasian males) [ [1] Chung C.S. Myrianthopoulos N.C. Factors affecting risks of congenital malformations. I. Analysis of epidemiologic factors in congenital malformations. Birth Defects Orig Artic Ser. 1975; 11 (Report from the Collaborative Perinatal Project): 1-22 PubMed Google Scholar ]. This disease often manifests during adolescence with growth, leading to underdiagnosis especially in women owing to development of breast tissue. Many patients present as adults, highly symptomatic from cardiopulmonary compromise.