Page 33 - Waterfall_Issue 3_March_2022

PECTUS EXCAVATUM

AND THE HEART

By Dr Ivan Schewitz, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Netcare Waterfall City

Pectus excavatum is a congenital condition

in which the breastbone is caved in. Experts

believe that this is caused by the overgrowth of

the cartilage adjacent to the breastbone; when

it grows too fast, it pushes the breastbone in,

which is called excavatum. If the breastbone is

pushed out, it is called pectus carinatum.
Dr Ivan Schewitz

P ectus excavatum has • Coughing or wheezing was given a variety of explanations:

• Psychological problems
“You have a supraventricular
traditionally been considered
a purely cosmetic problem,
“You have constant reflux
but following the minimally A study by Dawn Jaruzelski shows arrhythmia; it’s nothing.”
invasive Nuss procedure, we now a 40% increase in cardiac output and heartburn because the
realise that it is so much more. The following the correction of the lower oesophageal sphincter
typical symptoms of the condition sunken chest bone. This study has is not closing; it’s nothing.”
are problems affecting exercise: been repeated in several hospitals, “You have a fairly small hiatal
• Shortness of breath with but more important are the success hernia near your oesophagus,
physical activities stories told by our patients. which is causing some
• Fatigue discomfort; it’s nothing.”
• Chest pain FEEDBACK FROM PATIENTS “Your ribcage is pressing against
• A rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations One of our first patients who your heart, and you’re just feeling
• Frequent respiratory infections presented with a pectus excavatum every heartbeat; it’s nothing.”

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