Pectus excavatum (a Latin term meaning hollowed chest)[1] is the most common congenital deformity of the anterior wall of the chest, in which several ribs and the sternum grow abnormally. This produces a caved-in or sunken appearance of the chest.[2] It is usually present at birth and progresses during the time of rapid bone growth in the early teenage years, but in rare cases does not appear until the onset of puberty.[3]

Pectus excavatum is sometimes considered to be cosmetic, however it can impair cardiac and respiratory function, and cause pain in the chest and back.[4] People with the abnormality may experience negative psychosocial effects, and avoid activities that expose the chest.[5]

Pectus excavatum is sometimes referred to as cobbler's chest, sunken chest, funnel chest, chest bowl or simply a dent in the chest.[6][7]