chest prominences and depressions

chest prominences and depressions

An unnatural prominence or depression often observed over the lower part of the sternum and generally congenital. The sternal depression has been called “funnel breast” or “shoemaker's breast” (because it may result from pressure of tools). The correct term is pectus excavatum.

A unilateral or local depression may be caused by consolidation, cavity, or pleurisy with fibrous adhesions.

A unilateral or local prominence may be due to pleurisy with effusion; pneumothorax, hydrothorax, or hemothorax; aneurysm or tumor; compensatory emphysema resulting from impairment of the opposite lung; cardiac enlargement (left side); or enlargement of abdominal organs, esp. the liver and spleen.