Overview
A bowed chest is also called pectus carinatum. It is a protrusion of the chest over the sternum often described as bird-like. Pectus carinatum is usually only a cosmetic defect but can be associated with other genetic diseases.
Review Date 7/1/2023
Updated by: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.