Complications Of Dextrocardia

Dextrocardia is a congenital medical condition in which an individual's heart points to the right side of their chest rather than the left. It affects less than one percent of the population. The isolated form of dextrocardia does not include other defects, but it is important to note in other forms of dextrocardia, it can be a part of situs inversus, which means an individual's internal organs, such as their liver and spleen, are all on the other side of their body. Individuals with this condition may also suffer from other defects related to their heart, other organs, or digestive system, though often defects can be corrected with surgery.

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Increased Number Of Sinus Infections

One of the problems dextrocardia can cause is an increased number of sinus infections. Sinus infections associated with dextrocardia are usually a result of a primary condition called Kartagener syndrome when it is linked to situs inversus totalis. This results in multiple organs, including the heart, to develop on the wrong side of the body. These patients are prone to frequent infections of the sinuses, ears, and lungs. Over time, these infections can lead to deafness and serious lung diseases. If the condition is treated properly, these complications can be avoided. Treatment includes clearing the air passages to improve breathing and giving antibiotics to fight infections.

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