Donna R. Coffman, MD

Dextrocardia with situs inversus is an uncommon congenital anomaly that may not be diagnosed until later in life. It can be found in conjunction with other conditions, such as primary ciliary dyskinesis, but there are usually no associated severe cardiovascular anomalies. Other types of disturbances of symmetry, such as situs ambiguus, can result in severe anomalous development and varying degrees of cardiovascular compromise. Recent research has greatly expanded our understanding of the link between ciliary action and asymmetric expression of gene products in the development of cardiac asymmetry. Medical care is directed toward associated problems, such as respiratory infections with ciliary disorders and additional congenital anomalies.