What are types of dextrocardia?
What are types of dextrocardia?
Some people have dextrocardia in isolation. That means your heart is flipped from left to right but all other organs are arranged normally. However, most people have dextrocardia along with other issues. Below are the different types of dextrocardia:
- Isolated dextrocardia: This is the simplest form. Your heart is a mirror image of a typical heart because it points to the right. There are no heart defects, and your heart functions normally. You won’t have any symptoms.
- Dextrocardia with situs inversus: In this type, your heart is a “mirror image” but other organs are flipped too. This affects organs in your chest and belly (abdomen) like your lungs and liver. This type may cause symptoms, usually related to other problems.
- Dextrocardia with heart defects: Many people with dextrocardia also have heart defects that impact their heart function. These defects cause symptoms and complications that often need treatment.
Heart defects found in people with dextrocardia include:
- Double outlet right ventricle: Your aorta extends from your right ventricle rather than your left ventricle.
- Endocardial cushion defect: There are problems with the walls that separate the four chambers of your heart.
- Pulmonary stenosis: Your pulmonary valve is narrowed and stiff.
- Pulmonary atresia: Your pulmonary valve isn’t formed properly and blood doesn't flow through it.
- Single ventricle: You should have two ventricles (lower chambers of your heart) but instead only have one.
- Transposition of the great arteries: The locations of your aorta and pulmonary artery are switched.
- Ventricular septal defect: There’s a hole in the wall (septum) between your left and right ventricles.
Dextrocardia was one of the earliest congenital heart malformations identified by scientists. It was first identified in the 1600s and written about in the 1700s. Over the years, we’ve learned more about this condition and how it connects with other syndromes.