TITLE:
Severe Pectus Excavatum with Apparent Dextrocardia Associated with Pleuro-Bronchopneumonia: Case Report
AUTHORS:
Emmylou Prisca Gabrielle Andrianah, Ny Ako Ratsimbasoa, Lovatiana Miora Randrianalison, Ny Ony Lova Hasina Narindra Rajaonarison, Hasina Dina Rahoharison, Ahmad Ahmad
KEYWORDS:
CT-Scan, Dextrocardia, Haller Index, Pectus Excavatum, Tuberculosis, Pleuro-Bronchopneumonia
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Medical Imaging,
Vol.15 No.4,
November
7,
2025
ABSTRACT: Pectus excavatum is the most common congenital chest wall deformity. Although usually identified during childhood, its clinical impact may remain silent for decades before becoming evident in adulthood, often in the context of respiratory or cardiovascular complications. We report the case of a 63-year-old male with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis treated and declared cured in 2014, who presented with a productive cough evolving for two weeks. Imaging revealed severe pectus excavatum with a Haller index of 7, responsible for cardiac displacement mimicking dextrocardia. The condition was associated with bilateral sequelae of prior tuberculosis and active pleuro-bronchopneumonia of probable bacillary (tuberculous) origin. This observation highlights the crucial role of computed tomography in assessing chest wall deformities, their cardiopulmonary consequences, and concomitant infectious complications in patients with fragile pulmonary backgrounds.