Dextrocardia natural history

Complications

Complications associated with dextrocardia depend upon whether or not there is an underlying syndrome associated with the condition.

• In the case of an underlying syndrome, there are some serious complications
  • Bacteria in the blood (septic shock)
  • Blocked intestines (due to intestinal malrotation)
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Infection (heterotaxy with no spleen)
  • Infertility in males (Kartagener syndrome)
  • Repeated pneumonias
  • Repeated sinus infections (Kartagener syndrome)

Prognosis

Babies born with simple dextrocardia should have a normal life expectancy and should not experience any future complications due to it.

One of the common complications associated with newborns with dextrocardia is being born without a spleen. This could cause the newborn to be very susceptible to infections, which would contribute to high rate of death. A daily regiment of antibiotics can improve this prognosis.