Progress in the Study of the Pathogenesis of Funnel Chest

Abstract

This essay provides a comprehensive review of the pathogenesis of funnel chest by reviewing recent findings from both Chinese and English literature. The etiology of funnel chest is multifaceted and complex, with both various and numerous hypotheses concentrating on developmental disorders of the thoracic and costal muscles. At the same time, the significance of diaphragm abnormalities is mentioned relatively rarely. Factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of funnel chest include respiratory tract obstruction, abnormalities in alkaline phosphatase levels, trace element abnormalities, genetic factors, endocrine influences, and abnormal uterine development. Accordingly, it is essential to have further investigation into the pathogenesis of funnel chest in order to elucidate the primary predisposing factors and to record direct clinical evidence to support these findings.