Complete congenital sternal cleft associated with pectus excavatum

Sarper A., Oz N., ARSLAN A. G., Demircan A.

TEXAS HEART INSTITUTE JOURNAL, vol.29, no.3, pp.206-209, 2002 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 29 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2002
  • Journal Name: TEXAS HEART INSTITUTE JOURNAL
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.206-209
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: No

Abstract

We report herein a rare case of complete congenital sternal cleft (absent sternum) and anterior pericardial defect in association with pectus excavatum. In neonates with absent sternum, the sternal bars can be easily approximated by simple suture, due to the flexibility of the cartilaginous thorax. There is also little danger of cardiac compression when the repair is performed early in life.