Mirror-image dextrocardia with failure of apical pivoting ("levocardia") and situs inversus

Dynamic left ventricular outflow obstruction in situs inversus with levocardia

A 69-year-old man with situs inversus, levocardia and inverted great arteries developed severe dynamic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction with systolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral leaflet. There was no asymmetric septal hypertrophy. A possible mechanism of the LOVT obstruction in the present case may have been related to an abnormally long and bent outflow tract resulting from overriding of the right ventricle over the LVOT due to a congenital malposition of the heart. Mitral valve replacement with septal myectomy was performed in order to eliminate systolic anterior motion. The postoperative course has been excellent.

Cardiac MR imaging in congenital heart disease

Magnetic resonance imaging is a unique and insightful tool for the assessment of structure and function in congenital heart disease. For anatomic assessment, the large field of view, lack of limitation by patient size, and ability to create three-dimensional surface displays from routine imaging acquisitions offer several advantages over other modalities. The ability of magnetic resonance imaging to assess the volume and mass of bizarre ventricular shapes accurately and myocardial tissue and blood tagging as well as phase encoded velocity mapping has enhanced research in pediatric cardiology. Newer techniques, such as oxygen-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging and echo-planar magnetic resonance imaging, promise even further advances in research and in clinical applications.