Kartagener's syndrome with recurrent respiratory infection: a case report

Kartagener's syndrome is a rare, ciliopathic autosomal recessive genetic disorder that comprises a triad of situs inversus, chronic sinusitis, and bronchiectasis leading to recurrent respiratory infections due to ciliary dyskinesia and thereby progressive deterioration of lung function. Additional clinical features of infertility, otitis media, and rhinitis are also seen in patients.

The authors hereby present a case of Kartagener's syndrome in a 40-year-old male with a repeated respiratory infection and bronchial asthma. He was received at the emergency room with symptoms of hemoptysis, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Diagnosis of cystic bronchiectasis with superadded infection was made based on clinical examinations and radiological assessments. He was treated in high-dependency unit. After 5 days of relieving therapeutic interventions in the hospital, he was discharged without further complication.

Early diagnosis of Kartagener's syndrome is likely to be beneficial as it helps delay deterioration of lung function to prevent complications and improve the quality of life of patients but the diagnosis of this syndrome is usually delayed as it is a rare disease, especially in countries with lack of complex diagnostic facilities. So, assessment for this syndrome has to be done in patients presenting with chronic and recurrent respiratory infections for correct timely diagnosis to have a good patient-centric healthcare facility.