what is excavatum
Bullied teenager 'nearly died after steel bar inserted to disguise his sunken chest came within 1cm of his heart' What is pectus excavatum? Pectus excavatum (PE) is an abnormal development of the rib cage where the breastbone (sternum) caves in, resulting in a sunken chest wall deformity. Sometimes referred to as funnel chest, pectus excavatum is a deformity often present at birth (congenital) that can be mild or severe in adults and children. What causes pectus excavatum? The cause of pectus excavatum is not well understood.