How do I check my Haller index?
The Haller index of severity should be calculated by measuring the inner width of the chest at the lowest level of the PEX defect, and dividing it by the anterior-posterior distance (between the posterior surface of the sternum and the anterior surface of the spine) again at the lowest level of the defect.
What is a severe Haller index?
A normal chest has a Haller index of 2 or less. A Haller index between 2 and 3.2 is considered a mild deformity; between 3.2 and 3.5, moderate.; 3.5 or greater, a severe deformity. Both moderate and severe deformities can be considered for corrective surgery (4). This patient had a Haller index of 3.90 (Fig.
What does the Haller index measure?
The Haller index is a ratio of thoracic width and height, measured from an axial CT image and used to describe the internal dimensions of the thoracic cage. Although the Haller index for a normal thorax has been established (Haller et al.
What problems can pectus excavatum cause?
Pectus excavatum can compromise lung and heart capacity, especially when the condition is severe, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and a fast heartbeat. In some cases, the proximity of the sternum and the pulmonary artery may cause a heart murmur.
Does pectus excavatum cause chest pain?
Yes, fatigue and chest pain are two symptoms of pectus excavatum, a condition that causes a deformity in your chest wall. But one thing that makes pectus excavatum stand out from the list of heart disease symptoms is the signature sunken chest.
How is severity of pectus excavatum measured?
A CT scan of the chest is the gold standard tool for determining the severity of the pectus defect accurately; it has been used to determine whether surgery is necessary or not.
How common is severe pectus excavatum?
Pectus excavatum occurs in an estimated 1 in 300-400 births, with male predominance (male-to-female ratio of 3:1). The condition is typically noticed at birth, and more than 90% of cases are diagnosed within the first year of life.
Does pectus excavatum cause fatigue?
Could my symptoms mean pectus excavatum? Yes, fatigue and chest pain are two symptoms of pectus excavatum, a condition that causes a deformity in your chest wall.
Does pectus excavatum make you weaker?
Pectus excavatum symptoms may include shortness of breath and lower stamina during exercise, fatigue, chest pain, and a fast heartbeat.
Does pectus excavatum get worse over time?
For many people with pectus excavatum, the only sign or symptom is a slight indentation in their chests. In some people, the depth of the indentation worsens in early adolescence and can continue to worsen into adulthood. In severe cases of pectus excavatum, the breastbone may compress the lungs and heart.
Can pectus excavatum cause back pain?
Some patients with pectus excavatum experience chest and back pain that is usually musculoskeletal in origin. The exact cause of the pain is poorly understood. Pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum are frequently associated with scoliosis.
What are the symptoms of pectus excavatum?
This can cause symptoms such as exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate and chest pain. Many people who have pectus excavatum will also tend to have a hunched-forward posture, with flared ribs and shoulder blades.
How does Haller index affect pectus excavatum?
For example, an 18-year-old with congenital pectus excavatum sufferer that has exercise intolerance and shortness of breath will be denied from taking financial coverage for surgery, if the Haller index is 3.1. The shortness of breath and physical weakness will become more intense when he becomes 30 years old.
What does pectus excavatum look like after birth?
In severe cases, pectus excavatum can look as if the center of the chest has been scooped out, leaving a deep dent. While the sunken breastbone is often noticeable shortly after birth, the severity of pectus excavatum typically worsens during the adolescent growth spurt.
What is the normal range of pectus excavatum?
Ranges from 2.5 to 3.0 are considered a slight case of pectus excavatum. HI ranging from 3.0 to 3.25 is moderate. All ranges higher than 3.25 are very serious and require treatment immediately.