ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH PECTUS EXCAVATUM

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Abstract
Funnel Chest deformity appeared as a Mendelian autosomal dominant in 4 generations of the family presented. Six patients with pectus excavatum and ecg changes are presented. These changes resemble anterior and posterior coronary artery disease, and complete and incomplete right bundle branch system block. There was no clinical evidence of heart disease in any of these patients. All were healthy and well adjusted, despite the high incidence of anxiety recognized in patients with this deformity. The ecg changes are felt to be the result of pressure of the depressed sternum on the anterior cardiac surface, or the altered position of the heart in the chest as a result of the funnel chest deformity. There was no evidence of interference with diastolic filling. It is concluded that abnormal ecg changes noted in patients with pectus excavatum should not in themselves be considered evidence of organic heart disease.