Prenatal diagnosis of isolated levocardia and a structurally normal heart: two case reports and a review of the literature

Determining bronchial morphology for the purposes of segregating so-called heterotaxy

Introduction Heterotaxy is a unique clinical entity in which lateralisation of the thoraco-abdominal organs is abnormal, typically with isomerism of the bronchial tree and atrial appendages. This study was carried out to determine whether routine clinical imaging such as chest radiographs, angiographic images, and CT/MRI can determine bronchial isomerism, and how sidedness of bronchial isomerism correlates with overall features anticipated in hearts with isomeric atrial appendages. Methods and results We identified 73 patients with heterotaxy, in whom imaging clearly demonstrated the bronchial tree, seen at our institution since 1998. We calculated bronchial angles and lengths using all the available imaging modalities to determine the presence and sidedness of bronchial isomerism. This was then compared with the anticipated presence of isomeric atrial appendages based on the overall clinical findings, as the appendages themselves had not specifically been imaged. The ratio of bronchial lengths revealed bronchial isomerism in all patients, with bronchial angles permitting distinction of right as opposed to left isomerism. We noted discordances between the identified bronchial isomerism and the presumed arrangement of the atrial appendages in nearly 20% of the patients in our cohort.

CONCLUSION

Routine clinical imaging with chest radiographs, angiographic imaging, and CT/MRI can determine the presence of bronchial isomerism in patients with so-called heterotaxy. Right as opposed to left isomerism can be distinguished based on bronchial angles. The finding of bronchial isomerism correlates well, but not totally, with the presumed isomerism of the atrial appendages as predicted from the identified intra-cardiac morphology.

Radiologic Considerations in Heterotaxy: The Need for Detailed Anatomic Evaluation

So-called "heterotaxy" is a laterality defect characterized by isomerism of the thoracic organs and random arrangement of the abdominal organs. These findings go beyond anatomic curiosity and have functional implications. It is, thus, of the utmost importance to be able to properly identify these findings. Radiologic studies can be invaluable in determining anomalies in the central nervous, pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and immunologic systems in patients with isomerism. Here, we review findings associated with isomerism and their importance in the setting of isomerism with the aim of ensuring that radiologists effectively describe findings in these patients and that cardiologists understand the wide variety of congenital malformations that may be present.

Situs ambiguous, levocardia, right sided stomach, obstructing duodenal web, and intestinal nonrotation: a case report

When approaching a case with a situs abnormality, using the proper terminology, making a specific diagnosis, and understanding the other often associated abnormalities that need to be excluded are of great importance. We present a case of situs ambiguous in the presence of intestinal nonrotation and an obstructing duodenal web. Our patient initially presented at two days old with bilious emesis and failure to pass meconium after birth. An abdominal radiograph demonstrated an unusual bowel gas pattern, a reversed "double bubble" sign. A subsequent thorough imaging survey was crucial to further characterize our patient's unique anatomy. Overall, our case demonstrates many of the unusual plain radiographic and sonographic findings associated with our patient's situs abnormality and allows for review of situs abnormalities and their significance.