Bowed chest (pigeon breast)

A bowed chest is also called pectus carinatum. It is a protrusion of the chest over the sternum often described as bird-like. Pectus carinatum is usually only a cosmetic defect but can be associated with other genetic diseases.

Review Date: 08/02/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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