Intracranial anatomic asymmetry in situs inversus totalis

Abstract

Situs inversus is a rare condition in which the position of the thoracic and the abdominal viscera are exchanged from the left to the right sides. A possible inversion of normal dominant intracranial anatomy, has however, rarely been discussed. We examine here the gross anatomy of an elderly cadaveric female for a possible "situs inversus" of the intracranial contents. This study has found that many structures commonly dominant on one side in the intracranial compartment were reversed in this specimen. These findings support the concept that a reversal of more commonly found intracranial anatomy may occur in situs inversus totalis, and this should alert the clinician performing invasive procedures in this population. These data will also hopefully provide further insight into possible mechanisms that contribute to situs inversus totalis.