Congenital Heart Defects in Children with Dextrocardia: A Ten-Year Study

Background Dextrocardia is a malposition of the heart defined as the right-sided development of the heart. It can increase the likelihood of congenital heart defects or diseases (CHD) and the risk of related morbidities and mortalities. We aimed to determine the frequency of CHDs among Dextrocardia patients. Materials and Methods In a retrospective cross-sectional study the records of patients with Dextrocardia who referred to Imam Reza Hospital (tertiary referral center) of Mashhad between 2006 and 2016 were studied. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0. Results In total 163 patients, 85 of whom (54%) were males were studied. Their mean age was 11.41+ 0.326 years. The frequency of major Dextrocardia subtypes were: Situs inversus in 77 (47%), Situs Solitus in 59 (36%), and Situs ambiguous in 28 (17%) patients. The frequency of associated complex congenital heart defects (CHD) was 55% in Situs inversus, 77% in Situs solitus and 100% in Situs ambiguous. Isolated associated CHD had a greater frequency in the Situs inversus and Situs solitus groups. The most common isolated associated CHD was septal defects. Conclusion More than 90% of all patients with Dextrocardia, had CHD whereas all patients with Dextrocardia and Situs ambiguous had complex CHD.