Pediatria pre prax 1/2024

Pectus excavatum in the light of current diagnostic modalities

Cardiologic examination with echocardiography, spirometric examination, and chest CT scan have become the standard examination methods for the diagnosis of pectus excavatum. Based on them, it is possible to confirm or exclude the compromise of the cardio-respiratory system, to visualize the morphology of the deformity and its relationship to the intrathoracic organs. However, CT examination is associated with a non-negligible dose of ionizing radiation, and echocardiographic examination is often technically limited by the character of anterior chest wall deformity. The recent diagnostic modalities (3D scan, cardio MRI) overcome these limitations – they are non-invasive, do not work with X-rays and add several important outcomes to the diagnostic process. The authors document the contribution of clinical anthropometry and a 3D optical scanner in the diagnostics and treatment of patients with pectus excavatum, and with cardio-MRI in the preoperative evaluation of the cardiovascular system. In conclusion, they introduce the recent diagnostic algorithm for pectus excavatum patients.

Keywords: pectus excavatum, diagnostics, clinical anthropometry, 3D scan, cardio MRI