Is congenital funnel chest hereditary?

Both male and female patients hope their chests appear normal; however, in real life, certain atypical conditions inevitably occur—such as pectus excavatum (funnel chest) or breast ptosis (sagging). Is pectus excavatum hereditary?

Is congenital pectus excavatum hereditary?

Yes, pectus excavatum is hereditary. Current research indicates that it is a congenital disorder—a structural malformation characterized by inward depression of the sternum, giving it a funnel-like appearance. It is not a sequela of rickets. Supplementing calcium postnatally cannot treat pectus excavatum. However, studies show that most patients with pectus excavatum have a family history, confirming its hereditary nature.

In mild cases of congenital pectus excavatum, symptoms are often absent during early childhood. As the patient grows and develops, the deformity may progressively worsen, compressing the heart and lungs and leading to respiratory and circulatory dysfunction. Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and exercise intolerance may then emerge, necessitating timely surgical correction. Surgical intervention for congenital pectus excavatum can be performed as early as age 3–4 years. In severe cases, significant cardiorespiratory impairment typically occurs, requiring urgent surgery to relieve cardiac and pulmonary compression.

Pectus excavatum results from congenital abnormalities in skeletal development. Normally, the intercostal spaces between ribs remain relatively uniform in width; however, in affected children, the lower rib segments are markedly narrower than the upper ones, ultimately causing sternal compression and posterior displacement. We hope this information proves helpful to you!