Kartagener syndrome

A 23-year-old woman presented to our emergency department with chief complaints of recurrent episodes of intermittent fever and productive cough with greenish phlegm for the past few days. Her medical history included frequent sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and ear discharge since childhood. Her vital signs were as follows: blood pressure, 112/85  mmHg; heart rate, 75 beats/min and respiratory rate, 18 breaths/min. She was afebrile. Physical examination revealed crackles over bilateral lower lungs. Laboratory work-up was unremarkable except for leukocytosis and an elevated C-reactive protein level. Chest radiograph revealed dextrocardia an d bilateral infiltration in lower lungs (Figure 1A), and computed tomography scan revealed bronchiectasis with secondary infection of bilateral lower lungs (Figure 1B) and situs inversus totalis (Figure 1C). Based on the clinical presentation and radiological findings, Kartagener syndrome (KS) was diagnosed. Empirical antibiotic therapy and supportive pulmonary care were initiated, and the patient was discharged with the resolution of symptoms 1  week later.
Source: QJM - Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research