Resumen

VARELA B., Patricio; ROMANINI C., Victoria; ROJAS C., Juan  y  CIENFUEGOS S., Guillermo. Cleft sternum. Rev. chil. pediatr. [online]. 2005, vol.76, n.2, pp. 177-182. ISSN 0370-4106.  doi: 10.4067/S0370-41062005000200009.

Cleft sternum is a congenital malformation of the thoracic wall, arising in a deficiency in the midline embrionic fusion of the sternal valves. The defect must be repaired early at birth, to re-establish the bony protection of the mediastinum, prevent paradoxical visceral movement with respiration, eliminate the visible deformity and permit the normal growth of the thoracic cage. Objective: To present 2 patients with this infrequent malformation, reviewing their clinical evolution. Conclusion: Cleft sternum is a low frequency malformation which must be corrected early to prevent complications, and the more difficult correction in later life

Palabras clave : cleft sternum; Mediastinum; thoracic wall; sternal valves.