Dextrocardia natural history

Complications
Complications associated with dextrocardia depend upon whether or not there is an underlying syndrome associated with the condition.


 * In the case of an underlying syndrome, there are some serious complications
 * Bacteria in the blood (septic shock)
 * Blocked intestines (due to intestinal malrotation)
 * Congestive heart failure
 * Infection (heterotaxy with no spleen)
 * Infertility in males (Kartagener syndrome)
 * Repeated pneumonias
 * Repeated sinus infections (Kartagener syndrome)

Prognosis
Babies born with simple dextrocardia should have a normal life expectancy and should not experience any future complications due to it.

One of the common complications associated with newborns with dextrocardia is being born without a spleen. This could cause the newborn to be very susceptible to infections, which would contribute to high rate of death. A daily regiment of antibiotics can improve this prognosis.