Heterotaxy

Disease Overview

Heterotaxy is a condition characterized by internal organs that are not arranged as would be expected in the chest and abdomen. Organs are expected to be in a particular orientation inside of the body, known as situs solitus. Heterotaxy occurs when the organs are not in this typical orientation, but are instead in different positions in the body. This most commonly causes complications with the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and intestines. Specific symptoms include not getting enough oxygen throughout the body, breathing difficulties, increased risk for infection, and problems digesting food. Heterotaxy may be caused by genetic changes (mutations), exposures to toxins while a woman is pregnant causing the baby to have heterotaxy, or the condition may occur sporadically. The condition is typically diagnosed through imaging such as an echocardiogram or an MRI. Treatment depends on the specific symptoms of each person, but typically includes heart surgery and monitoring by a team of specialists.[13223] 

Synonyms

• Heterotaxia
• Heterotaxy syndrome
• Visceral heterotaxy
• Lateralization defect
• Situs ambiguous
• Situs ambiguus