Living with Situs inversus
A condition in which the internal organs are arranged as a mirror image of the usual layout.
Understanding Situs inversus
It can occur alone, with no other problems, or as part of a syndrome with other defects. Heart defects are present in about 5 to 10 percent of affected people. The underlying cause and genetics are complex, and cases have been reported in families.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet. Based on its summary, the main feature is:
- Organs placed in a mirror-image arrangement
- Heart defects (in about 5 to 10 percent of people)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists, genetic specialists and heart and blood vessel specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists); Heart and blood vessel specialists (cardiologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the cause and genetics are complex. Familial cases have been reported, and both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive inheritance are listed.
Also known as: all organs on wrong side of body; complete situs inversus; complete situs inversus viscerum; complete transposition (morphologic abnormality); laterality sequence; situs inversus totalis
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Situs inversus.
Explore research for Situs inversus
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Find actively recruiting studies for Situs inversus with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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