National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Isolated levocardia


Other Names:
Situs inversus with levocardia; Isolated levocardia with situs inversus
This disease is grouped under:

Isolated levocardia is a type of situs inversus where the heart is located in the normal position, but there is a mirror-image reversal of other internal organs.[1] Isolated levocardia may occur alone or with heart defects, heart rhythm abnormalities (sick sinus syndrome or atrioventricular node disorder), spleen defects (absent, underdeveloped, or extra spleen), and intestinal malrotation. Long term outlook varies depending on the presence/absence of associated abnormalities, particularly heart defects. The cause of isolated levocardia is not known. It is not usually associated with chromosome abnormalities.[7363]

Last updated: 3/10/2014
Yes. In isolated levocardia it can be difficult to determine the position of the internal organs. Ultrasonography, CT, and MRI have been used alone and in combination to improve imaging of the internal organs and major blood vessels.[2][1]

In addition, a careful assessment of the spleen in the newborn is important. People with spleen dysfunction are at an increased risk for serious infection and benefit from prophylactic life-long antibiotics and vaccination. Barium contrast screening has been used for early detection of intestinal malrotation and to guide treatment. Also, long-term, infrequent follow-up of infants and adults with isoalted levocardia to monitor for heart rhythm problems is recommended.[2][1]
Last updated: 3/10/2014

The overall outlook for infants born with isolated levocardia will vary depending largely on the absence/presence of heart defects. You can find grim estimates for long term survival in dated literature (published in the 1960’s and 70’s). These statistics do not account for mild cases of isolated levocardia diagnosed as a result of improved technologies and detection.[2][1]

Last updated: 3/10/2014

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Isolated levocardia. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Social Networking Websites

Organizations Providing General Support

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • MeSH® (Medical Subject Headings) is a terminology tool used by the National Library of Medicine. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Isolated levocardia. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Selected Full-Text Journal Articles

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • I am pregnant and my baby has been diagnosed with isolated levocardia with situs inversus. She does not appear to have a heart defect. I've found little information and no support groups for this specific condition. I was given a very grim statistic for her chance of long-term survival. Is this true? Has there been other cases of prenatally diagnosed isolated levocardia with situs inversus? Was MRI or other tests helpful in planning the infants care? See answer


  1. Ghawi H1, Zghouzi MM, Emahbes TM, Awad SM. Prenatal diagnosis of isolated levocardia and a structurally normal heart: two case reports and a review of the literature. Pediatr Cardiol. 2013 Apr; 34(4):1034-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Ghawi%5Bau%5D+levocardia. Accessed 3/10/2014.
  2. Gindes L, Hegesh J, Barkai G, Jacobson JM, Achiron R. Isolated levocardia: prenatal diagnosis, clinical importance, and literature review. J Ultrasound Med. 2007 Mar; 26(3):361-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17324986. Accessed 3/10/2014.