Dextrocardia

The term dextrocardia ( Rechtsherzigkeit ) derived from gr dexios = "right" and kardia = "heart" is, in cardiology refers to a phenomenon in which the heart is permanently or temporarily in the right place predominantly in the left thoracic cavity.

A congenital dextrocardia may occur as a result of a so-called situs inversus, in which all organs are created mirrored chest or even the whole body. Also dextrocardia may be caused by a heart rotation, for example as a result of a lung or pleural disease.

In some people with Patau syndrome ( trisomy 13) dextrocardia is present, while the other institutions are still created as usual.