Chest Wall Reconstruction for Pectus Carinatum
About 1.5 years ago, as a result of ricketts (brittle bone disease), Kyle was diagnosed with Pectus Carinatum (pigeon breast). Although the surface appearance is more mild, the ribs are sinking far in to his lung cavity. The risk, depending on the severity (to be determined), is great since it inhibits lung capacity. Kyle still has BPD (chronic lung disease), a condition resulting from prematurity and using high pressure vents on immature lung tissue. Because of this, his lungs are still under-developed for his age. In time they will heal, but not for a few more years at least. The added condition can inhibit this process.
As time has gone on, the chest wall malformation seems to be worsening (not self-correcting). Last week Kyle was referred to the Chief Surgeon with Children's Hospital in Chicago, who also specializes in Cardiothoracic Surgery and Chest Wall reconstruction. Our appointment is toward the end of June. If you know of anyone that has been through this, please let us know . We'd like to know what questions to ask, and what to expect should surgery be required anytime in the near future.
Thank you,
katra
posted by Katra @ 5/28/2007 11:21:00 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Katra,
I wonder how common PC is with preemies. Do you have any idea? My 24-weeker, now 2 1/2, Holland has it too, and I know of one other preemie with it. It sounds like Kyle's may be a little worse as far as inhibiting lung capacity, though Holland has asthma and significant lung issues still too.
I'll be interested to see what the surgeon has to say.
Billie
i have a 2 1/2 year old (not a preemie) with significant pc. it seems to get more noticable after each growth spurt. most of the boys on both sides of the family have asthma, and we suspect he does as well.
what did the surgeon say?
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