0
Situs Inversus
Definition
Situs inversus is a condition in which all organs in your body and abdomen are arranged in a perfect mirror image reversal of the normal positioning.
(in some cases the joints in your bones may be arranged on the opposite side as well!)
Description
Normal human development results in an asymmetrical arrangement of the organs within the chest and abdomen. Typically, the heart lies on the left side of the body (levocardia), the liver and spleen lie on the right, and the lung on the left has two lobes while the lung on the right has three lobes. This normal arrangement is known as situs solitus.
However, in about 1 in 8,500 people, the organs of the chest and abdomen are arranged in the exact opposite position: the heart is on the right (dextrocardia), as is the two-lobed lung, and the liver, spleen, and three-lobed lung are on the left. Yet because this arrangement, called situs inversus, is a perfect mirror image, the relationship between the organs is not changed, so functional problems rarely occur.
althogh in some cases the heart or lungs may eb turned upside down
Causes and symptoms
Early in the normal development of an embryo, the tube-like structure that becomes the heart forms a loop toward the left, identifying the left/right axis along which the other organs should be positioned. Although the mechanism that causes the heart loop to go left is not fully understood, at least one gene has been identified to have a role in this process. However, it is thought that many factors may be involved in causing situs inversus. Rarely, situs inversus can run in families, but most often it is an isolated and accidental event occurring in an individual for the first time in the family.
Most people with situs inversus have no medical symptoms or complications resulting from the condition. Although only 3-5% of people with situs inversus have any type of functional heart defect, this is higher than the rate of heart defects in the general population, which is less than 1%.
It is estimated that about 25% of people with situs inversus have an underlying condition called primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). PCD, also known as Kartagener's syndrome, is characterized as situs inversus, chronic sinus infections, increased mucous secretions from the lungs, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. PCD is caused by a defect in the cilia that impairs their normal movements.
Diagnosis
Situs inversus should detected by a thorough physical examination. It is often picked up when a physician, using a stethoscope, hears otherwise normal heart sounds on the right side of the body instead of the left. To confirm the a suspected diagnosis of situs inversus, imaging studies such as MRI, CT, or ultrasound may be ordered, and a referral may be made to a cardiologist or internist for completeness. Imaging studies will also rule out the possibility of random arrangement of the organs, or heterotaxy, which has a much higher risk for serious medical complications.
Treatment
There is no treatment for situs inversus. In the unlikely case that a heart defect is present, it should be treated accordingly by a cardiologist.
Individuals who have situs inversus should be sure to inform all physicians involved in their medical care. In addition to preventing unnecessary confusion, this will reduce the risk of missing a crucial diagnosis that presents with location-specific symptoms (such as appendicitis).
Alternative treatment
Not applicable.
Prognosis
The prognosis for an individual with situs inversus is good, and in the absence of a heart defect or other underlying diagnosis, life expectancy is normal.
Prevention
There is no known method of preventing situs inversus.
Above retrieved from Answers.com
Viper1
What else can I help you with?
Can a man with situs inversus and dextrocardia have a kid?
My ex husband has situs inversus and dextrocardia and he is not able to have children.
Can a female with situs inversus have a kid?
Yes they can. I'm a woman with situs inversus. It is a blessing and it takes a while.
Why is situs inversus not a problem?
Yet because this arrangement, called situs inversus, is a perfect mirror image, the relationship between the organs is not changed, so functional problems rarely occur.
What is the term for mirror image organs in the body?
The term for mirror image organs in the body is "situs inversus." This condition occurs when the positions of organs are reversed from their typical placement. It is a rare but generally benign anatomical variation.
Can situs inversus be prevented?
Situs inversus is a rare condition that occurs during fetal development; therefore, it cannot be prevented. It is typically diagnosed after birth through medical imaging techniques. Management revolves around addressing any associated health issues that may arise due to the reversed organ positioning.
Dextrocardia usually occurs as part of situs inversus What is situs inversus?
Situs inversus is a condition where the organs in the chest and abdomen are arranged in a mirror image of their normal position. This means that organs that are typically on the left side of the body are on the right side, and vice versa. It can occur alone or in association with other conditions like dextrocardia.
What dextrocardia can do?
dextrocardia situs inversus if the heart is completely inversed by 180 degree :)
Do people with situs inversus have heart problems?
Although only 3-5% of people with situs inversus have any type of functional heart defect, this is higher than the rate of heart defects in the general population, which is less than 1%.
What is the prognosis for situs inversus?
To confirm the a suspected diagnosis of situs inversus, imaging studies such as MRI, CT, or ultrasound may be ordered, and a referral may be made to a cardiologist or internist for completeness.
Can a male with situs inversus have kids?
Yes, a male with situs inversus can father children as their reproductive organs are not typically affected by the condition. However, they may have a higher risk of fertility issues or genetic conditions that could be passed on to their children. It is recommended that they consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Can you get pregnant with situs inversus with levocardia?
YES. You want to make sure you have had your doctors fully check the heart for any defects as 95% of those with situs inversus with levocardia have congenital heart defects. My wife had a CT scan and everything showed in proper order. We have had two beautiful children.
What effects does the situs inversus do?
It is perfectly normal to have the situs inversus. You have the organs placed in mirror image of the so called normal side. It will give confusing E.C.G results. The deadly condition like acute appedicitis may be missed. Other wise you can enjoy the liver of the left side and spleen on the right side. Your physician will go to the other side of the bed and may examine you with his left hand.
