The primary etiopathology of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) includes tonsil or adenoid hypertrophy. Severe OSAHS contributes to or aggravates thoracic deformity, which is rarely reported. In the current report, a child was admitted to the hospital with over four-year history of snoring during sleep, and two-day-old aggravation with severely depressed sternum during inhalation. Clinical examination indicated tonsil and adenoid hypertrophy, and polysomnography revealed OSAHS. The symptoms of OSAHS and severe inhalation-related sternum depression disappeared rapidly after tonsillectomy. Our findings indicated that OSAHS were the major causes underlying funnel chest in children. The rarity of the incidence may result in missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis. Polysomnography was recommended for the child diagnosed with funnel chest accompanied by upper airway stenosis.
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