Prescreen evaluation of situs inversus patients.

Situs inversus is a congenital visceral malrotation anomaly that occurs in approximately 2 per 10,000 live births, but it may go unrecognized until discovered during emergency surgery. The differential diagnosis in situs inversus patients may not be readily seen in the emergency setting. Historical symptoms include reversed locations for common physical complaints, whereas physical signs can be used to diagnose and treat these patients. Laboratory data may also be used to diagnose and treat patients with this anomaly. This study was prompted by a postmortem investigation of a patient with situs inversus and dextrocardia. Several other cases of congenital malrotation, with attention to anatomical variants coupled with medical data, provide guidelines in prescreen evaluation and medical/surgical treatment of similar patients. Careful attention to laboratory and radiologic findings are paramount to quality patient care and prevention of complications. Educating these patients about their malrotation would also aid in future treatment.