Dextrocardia
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(rollover to compare with normal) What Are Its Effects And Treatment?

If the heart chambers are normally configured or form a perfect "mirror image" of the normal heart, there may be no adverse symptoms and no treatment is required. However, some forms of dextrocardia involve defects in the heart's structure that may require treatment with medications or surgery to correct. Also, the heart may be located in the right chest because of abnormalities of the lungs or chest, which may cause problems and require treatment.

Patients with dextrocardia in conjunction with situs solitis (normally positioned abdominal organs, such as the spleen, liver, and stomach) are at risk of abdominal obstruction. Abdominal surgery (a Ladd's procedure) may be necessary.

Patients with dextrocardia and situs inversus (reversal of the normal positions of the abdominal organs) rarely experience difficulties.

If the patient's spleen or splenal function is absent or abnormal (asplenia, polysplenia), medications to prevent bacterial infection will be prescribed.