situs inversus
Last reviewed 01/2018
Situs inversus is the abnormal positioning of the abdominal organs such that the liver lies in the left hypochondrium and the spleen in the right hypochondrium.
The gastrointestinal tract is likewise inverted with a left-sided caecum and left-sided appendix.
In some cases the liver may be central with a rudimentary spleen or even asplenia.
Situs inversus occurs in about 50% of patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (1).
Reference:
- Hammersmith Grand Round (1994). Late presentation of Kartagener's syndrome. BMJ, 308, 519-21.