Heterotaxy syndrome - An unusual cause for bowel obstruction in an adult

Radhiya Minty; Tanaka Gomba; Rabia Abid

doi:10.4102/sajr.v28i1.2831

Heterotaxy syndrome - An unusual cause for bowel obstruction in an adult

SA J Radiol. 2024 May 30;28(1):2831. doi: 10.4102/sajr.v28i1.2831. eCollection 2024.

Authors

Radhiya Minty¹, Tanaka Gomba¹, Rabia Abid¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Radiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Abstract

Heterotaxy syndrome, also known as situs ambiguous, is a spectrum of pathology due to loss of the normal right-to-left asymmetry of the thoraco-abdominal organs. This report describes the case of a 39-year-old female, previously well, who presented with bowel obstruction. CT showed features of left isomerism, with malrotation and volvulus.

Contribution: Heterotaxy syndrome consists of cardiac and non-cardiac manifestations. Imaging studies play a crucial role in the individualised management of the patient.

Keywords: bowel obstruction; heterotaxy; left isomerism; polysplenia syndrome; situs ambiguous.

Publication types

Case Reports

Grants and funding

Funding information This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.