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Updated: Jan 18, 2026

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China
Published on: February 11, 2022
STEMI in a patient with mirror-image dextrocardia
K Yvonne Harris1, Mohamad Umar
1K. Yvonne Harris is a graduate of the US Army-Baylor University doctor of science emergency medicine PA residency program and practices emergency medicine at the Eglin Air Force Base hospital in Florida. Mohamad Umar is on the faculty of the US Army-Baylor University emergency medicine PA residency program and practices emergency medicine at San Antonio Military Medical Center. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of Brooke Army Medical Center, the US Army Medical Department, the US Army Office of the Surgeon General, the Department of the Army, the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the US government. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) diagnosis is critical. This case highlights how dextrocardia with situs inversus can alter ECG findings, complicating STEMI diagnosis and patient presentation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Diagnostics
- Anatomical Variations
Background:
- ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a critical diagnosis requiring prompt ECG interpretation.
- ECG interpretation can be challenging in patients with dextrocardia due to atypical cardiac positioning.
Observation:
- A case report details a patient with situs inversus and dextrocardia presenting with an acute inferior myocardial infarction (MI).
- The anatomical variation in dextrocardia led to an atypical electrocardiogram (ECG) and clinical presentation.
Findings:
- The patient's dextrocardia with situs inversus resulted in a non-standard ECG pattern during an acute inferior MI.
- This case underscores the importance of considering anatomical variations in ECG analysis.
Implications:
- Accurate ECG interpretation in dextrocardia is crucial for timely STEMI diagnosis and management.
- Awareness of atypical presentations in patients with situs inversus can improve clinical outcomes.
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