Pectus carinatum—first ultrastructural findings of a potential metabolic lesion

Abstract

The histological and ultrastructural findings of rib specimens after two re-interventions in the case of recurrence of pectus carinatum (PC) are presented in this report. A 15-year-old boy developed recurrences of mild PC after re-chondroplasties using the Ravitch technique. Histological study of the resected cartilage showed markedly degenerative changes of the sternocostal cartilage. For the first time, intracellular crystalline inclusions in some of the chondrocytes were found. These findings indicate metabolic changes as a possible pathogenetic parameter in PC.

Costal cartilage structural and functional changes in children with a funnel or keeled chest

“…Так, в реберных хрящах мальчика 15 лет с КД C. Brochhausen и соавт. [31] обнаружили выраженные дегенеративные изменения, включая истончение коллагеновых волокон, потерю ими поперечной исчерченности, исчезновение протеогликановых гранул и кристаллические отложения в цитоплазме хондроцитов.…”

Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Carinatum

“…The hypothesis for the etiology involves defective metabolism or overgrowth of the sternocostal cartilages [4,5]. A genetic origin of this deformity was suspected according to the family history; at least 25% of the patients indicate another family member involvement of a chest wall deformity [6,7].…”

Sparing internal thoracic vessels in thoracoscopic or submuscular correction of pectus carinatum: A porcine model study

“…Hereditary links are suggested by the observation of PC in monozygotic twins, by the neonatal presentation and by increased incidence of other chest wall abnormalities in family members [3]. Although there is no established etiology, an abnormal pattern of cartilage growth and metabolism is thought to be involved in its etiophatogenesis [4,5]. This condition is usually asymptomatic and rarely associated with respiratory symptoms [6].…”