Crisscross heart-Morphology, clinical diagnosis, and management options

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Developmental Biology
• Medical Genetics

Background:

• Crisscross heart is a rare congenital cardiac malformation.
• It is characterized by the crossing of ventricular inflow streams due to cardiac torsion.
• The developmental mechanisms and etiology remain largely unknown.

Observation:

• This study presents a rare case of crisscross heart in a neonate.
• The patient exhibited situs inversus, concordant atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial connections.
• Additional anomalies included a ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates a complex presentation of crisscross heart with multiple associated anomalies.
• Literature review indicates the extreme rarity of this condition, especially with situs inversus.
• The findings contribute to understanding the spectrum of crisscross heart malformations.

Implications:

• This case expands the known phenotypic spectrum of crisscross heart.
• Further research into the developmental pathways is needed to elucidate causes.
• Improved understanding may aid in diagnosis and management of rare cardiac malformations.