Evaluation of Thoracic Morphological Changes Using Chest CT in Patients with Congenital Pectus Carinatum Treated by the Modified Abramson Technique

Background: The Pectus carinatum is an outward protrusion deformity of the sternum and adjacent costal cartilages. It is the second most common congenital deformity of the anterior chest wall, commonly occuring in adolescents.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate thoracic morphological changes using computed tomography (CT) imaging in patients with pectus carinatum treated via the modified Abramson technique at Viet Duc University Hospital from 2020 to 2023.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed all cases of congenital pectus carinatum diagnosed, imaged via CT, and surgically treated using the modified Abramson technique at Viet Duc Hospital from January 2020 to December 2023.

Results: Among 115 patients (mean age: 13.6 ± 2.03 years), the majority presented with symmetrical deformities (70.4%). The average operative duration was 33.3 ± 8.3 minutes, and hospital stays ranged from 4 to 7 days (mean: 5.2 ± 0.90 days). No major postoperative complications were reported. Follow-up ranged from 11 to 48 months. Chest CT Scan reevaluation postoperatively in 69 patients showed significant improvement in thoracic indices: mean pre- and postoperative Haller index (HI) were 2.02 ± 0.20 and 2.46 ± 0.34, respectively. Sternal rotation angle averaged 2.81 ± 3.59, with 68/69 cases showing no or mild torsion. Postoperative asymmetry index (AI) averaged -0.014 ± 0.033.

Conclusion: The modified Abramson technique provides a minimally invasive and effective treatment for pectus carinatum, achieving significant improvements in thoracic morphology as evidenced by Haller index, asymmetry index, and sternal rotation angles assessed on chest CT.