r/PectusExcavatum • u/Timely-Ad-7344 • 2d ago
New User 4.46
Hello. First of all, please excuse my English (I am using Google Translate). I am a 23-year-old woman living in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A couple of weeks ago, I had a CT scan, which showed a Haller index of 4.46; the report also mentions an "impression on the right ventricle."
The thoracic surgeon mentioned that, given my age and the fact that my sternum is exerting some pressure on my heart, it is highly likely that—should I decide to undergo surgery—the Ravitch procedure would be the approach used, though nothing has been confirmed yet.
I also wanted to mention that during the CT scan, I was asked to inhale deeply to fill my lungs. This made me wonder if my chest might appear more sunken (or perhaps the opposite?). Is it standard practice to be asked to inhale during a CT scan?
De nuevo, disculpen si hay algo mal traducido, gracias
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u/Kind-Speaker-368 2d ago
This CT being made on inhale means your HI would be even higher and your heart would be even flatter on exhale.
From your CT you seem a good candidate for Nuss, which is less invasive and usually gives better results than Ravitch. Age-wise you're a good candidate too. So I wonder if your surgeon would want to perform ravitch on you because thats the method he knows.
If I were you I would try to find an experienced Nuss surgeon and ask for his opinion.
I had Nuss surgery at 35yo, with a HI of 7,7.
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u/lilsknyguy 2d ago
45/m 4.8. Got the surgery. Best thing I could have done. Recovery was not what I was hoping for but still worth it 100%. 12 weeks post op.
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u/Fantastic_Egg949 1d ago
Most CT for pectus is done at exhilaration to give more accurate numbers. I would suggest getting a second or even third opinion even if it means traveling a bit. Getting the Nuss surgery will be so much easier to recover from. Google chest wall or Nuss surgeons in your country. Also look up "Argentina" in these pectus groups to see if anyone recommends certain doctors. Buena suerte ❤️
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