Heterotaxy syndrome

Abstract

Heterotaxy syndrome subjects with isomerism also usually have concomitant congenital heart defects (CHD). Isomerism is a complex syndrome that happens when the main axis of the body fails to rotate properly during developing in the womb in early embryonic period. Many patients have a variable range of severe CHD, while a lesser percentage have none or mild cardiac problems, and also each individual with heterotaxy is only one of its kind. A number of these patients have pulmonary complications, while for others the main concern is their gastrointestinal or immune systems. Indeed heterotaxy syndrome is characterized by a wide range of cardiac and extra-cardiac congenital defects [1, 2].