Evaluation of pectus excavatum with repeated CT scans.

The use of a single CT scan to evaluate the severity of pectus excavatum has been popular since its inception. However, there is no objective data to address the evolution of the deformity. Using repeated CT scans taken an average of 1 year and 3 months apart, eight children with pectus excavatum were prospectively followed. The initial pectus indices ranged from 3.6 to 6.8 (mean 5.4 +/- 1.3) and the follow-up indices, from 3.5 to 6.7 (mean 5.3 +/- 1.0). No progress of pectus excavatum was found during the study period. Our routine five axial chest CT sections also helped to specify a pectus index based on the central section taken through the deepest part of the deformity, and provided useful information for further conservative or surgical management.