CHEST CONFIGURATION

Normally, the ratio of the anteroposterior diameter to the lateral diameter is 12.

Barrel Chest.

Barrel chest occurs as a result of overinflation of the lungs. There is an increase in the anteroposterior
diameter of the thorax. In a patient with emphysema, the ribs are more widely spaced and the
intercostal spaces tend to bulge on expiration. The appearance of the patient with advanced
emphysema is thus quite characteristic and often allows the observer to detect its presence easily, even
from a distance.

Funnel Chest (Pectus Excavatum).

Funnel chest occurs when there is a depression in the lower portion of the sternum. This may compress
the heart and great vessels, resulting in murmurs. Funnel chest may occur with rickets or Marfan’s
syndrome.

Pigeon Chest (Pectus Carinatum). A pigeon chest occurs as a result of displacement of the sternum.
There is an increase in the anteroposterior diameter. This may occur with rickets, Marfan’s syndrome, or
severe kyphoscoliosis.

Kyphoscoliosis.

A kyphoscoliosis is characterized by elevation of the scapula and a corresponding S-shaped spine. This
deformity limits lung expansion within the thorax. It may occur with osteoporosis and other skeletal
disorders that affect the thorax.