Does age matter? Cardiopulmonary profiles of adolescents versus adults with pectus excavatum presenting for surgical evaluation

This comparative study of 329 patients found that adults with pectus excavatum present with more severe symptoms, deeper deformities, and reduced cardiopulmonary function compared to adolescents. Adults showed significantly higher rates of chest pain, dyspnea, and exercise intolerance, along with decreased FEV1/FVC ratios and work capacity, suggesting potential benefits of earlier surgical intervention.