A case of dextrocardia with normal situs

Abstract

We report here a case of dextrocardia with normal situs in an 81-year-old man who died from non-pulmonary causes. Removal of the chest wall revealed a large, but otherwise anatomically normal, left lung occupying the entire left hemithorax and extending across the midline to overlap the left border of the heart which was positioned in the right hemithorax. The gross anatomy of the heart was normal save its position and the presence of only 2 pulmonary veins. Dissection of the heart showed all chambers in their classically described position, and there were no valvular defects. The anatomy of the great vessels was also normal. The right lung was hypoplastic and lay posterior to the heart. This lung lacked any lobular structure, but the presence of carbon particles throughout it suggested that it was capable of normal inflation.