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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China
Published on: February 11, 2022
Acute anteroseptal myocardial infarction in a patient with dextrocardia
Becker S N Alzand1, Robert Dennert, Robert Kalkman
1Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands. b.alzand@mumc.nl
Insights
Dextrocardia with situs inversus presents diagnostic challenges for myocardial infarction. A reversed electrocardiogram is crucial for accurate diagnosis in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Dextrocardia with situs inversus is a rare congenital anomaly.
- Accurate diagnosis of myocardial infarction is challenging in these patients.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old male with dextrocardia and situs inversus totalis presented with acute chest pain.
- An electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed to assess the cardiac event.
Findings:
- The patient experienced an acute anteroseptal myocardial infarction.
- A reversed ECG interpretation was essential for correct diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of performing a reversed ECG in patients with dextrocardia.
- Proper ECG interpretation is critical for managing cardiac emergencies in rare anatomical variations.
Abstract:
Dextrocardia with situs inversus is an uncommon congenital condition in which the major visceral organs are reversed. The clinical diagnosis and electrocardiographic localization of myocardial infarctions in these patients remain a great challenge. We report a case of a 64-year-old man known with dextrocardia and situs inversus totalis presenting with acute chest pain irradiating to the right arm. The admission and reversed "normalized" electrocardiogram are presented, allowing for correct diagnosis of an acute anteroseptal myocardial infarction. The present case emphasizes the importance of performing a reversed electrocardiogram in patients with dextrocardia.
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