What Are the Causes of Dextrocardia?

Dextrocardia is a rare abnormality, or defect, whereby the heart is situated in the right side of the chest instead of the left, as is normal. People are born with this defect. If the heart of a person with dextrocardia doesn't have any other defects, no symptoms are noticed. However, there are conditions that may include dextrocardia. They can cause other symptoms, such as bluish skin, breathing difficulties, failure to grow and gain weight and fatigue.

Situs Inversus Viscerum

• Situs inversus viscerum is a genetically transmitted disorder that can occur only in males (females can only be carriers). This disorder results in the transposition of chest and abdomen organs. Generally this condition doesn't cause any problems; it is often first identified during a medical examination or surgery.

Marden-Walker Syndrome

• Marden-Walker syndrome is another genetic disorder. It can result in such symptoms as a fixed facial expression, blepharophimosis (reduced eyelids) and joint contractures (shortening of muscles and joints) as well as dextrocardia.

Kartagener Syndrome

• Kartagener syndrome can cause cross-positioning of body organs, including dextrocardia, and bronchial tube sinusitis (lung inflammation). It is also an inherited disorder.

Cumming Syndrome

• Dextrocardia can also be caused by Cumming syndrome. Cumming syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes multiple abdominal organ and limb abnormalities, including dextrocardia. Cumming syndrome results in death before or soon after birth.