Situs inversus

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Situs Inversus

Situs inversus (pronounced: /ˈsaɪtəs ɪnˈvɜːrsəs/) is a rare congenital condition in which the major visceral organs are reversed or mirrored from their normal positions. The term "situs inversus" is derived from Latin, with "situs" meaning position, and "inversus" indicating reversed.

Definition

Situs inversus refers to a medical condition where the patient's major organs are situated on the opposite side of the body from their usual position. This can include the heart, liver, spleen, and other organs. The condition can be complete, known as situs inversus totalis, or partial, known as situs inversus with levocardia.

Symptoms

Most individuals with situs inversus totalis are asymptomatic and the condition is often discovered incidentally. However, in cases of situs inversus with levocardia, there may be associated cardiac malformations that can lead to symptoms such as cyanosis, dyspnea, or heart failure.

Causes

The exact cause of situs inversus is not known, but it is believed to occur randomly during fetal development. It is often associated with a rare genetic disorder called Kartagener syndrome, which also includes bronchiectasis and sinusitis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of situs inversus is typically made through imaging studies such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for situs inversus as it is a congenital condition. Management is usually focused on treating any associated conditions or symptoms.

Related Terms

  • Dextrocardia: A condition where the heart is located on the right side of the chest.
  • Kartagener syndrome: A genetic disorder characterized by situs inversus, bronchiectasis, and sinusitis.
  • Levocardia: A condition where the heart is located on the left side of the chest, but other organs may be reversed.

External links

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