Pectus excavatum (PE), also known as funnel chest, is the most common congenital deformity of the anterior chest wall, characterized by a sunken sternum and adjacent costal cartilages. This article provides an in-depth clinical analysis of PE in children, examining its etiology, pathogenesis, classification, clinical manifestations, modern diagnostic approaches, and preventive measures. Emphasis is placed on the role of early diagnosis through physical examination and imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), spirometry, and echocardiography (ECHO). The study also evaluates the impact of PE on cardiopulmonary function and psychosocial development, offering insights for pediatricians, thoracic surgeons, and orthopedists.

Pectus excavatum, funnel chest, chest wall deformity, Haller index, pediatric cardiothoracic disorders, early diagnosis, spirometry, computed tomography, echocardiography.

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