Cardiopulmonary effects of anterior chest wall deformities.

Many studies have been conducted that evaluate the cardiopulmonary effects of pectus excavatum because of the general clinical impression that post-repair patients have better exercise tolerance and vigor. The results of these studies have been variable during the last three decades, and although restrictive lung volumes are often present in subjects with pectus excavatum, they are not invariably improved by repair. Enhanced cardiac performance may be partially responsible for improved function. This article reviews the results of these studies.