Pectus Carinatum

Diagnosis

At Mayo Clinic, pectus carinatum diagnosis begins with a thorough medical evaluation. While diagnosis is generally not complex, your doctor may order imaging tests (chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan or echocardiogram) or an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) to assess the severity of the deformity and its effects on heart function.

Lung function tests may be performed to determine if the pectus carinatum deformity is causing breathing problems and preventing the lungs from functioning at full capacity. Blood testing could be recommended in cases where symptoms lead the doctor to believe that a hereditary disorder may be causing the deformity.