How Is Situs Inversus Inherited?

Situs inversus is caused by an autosomal recessive genetic condition. An unaffected carrier mother and an unaffected carrier father have a 1 in 4 chance of having a child with situs inversus. Because many genetic steps would have to come together to cause situs inversus, the condition is rare.

Does situs inversus run in families?

The underlying cause and genetics of situs inversus are complex. Familial cases have been reported.

What gene causes situs inversus?

Some people have dextrocardia with situs inversus as part of an underlying condition called primary ciliary dyskinesia. Primary ciliary dyskinesia can result from changes ( mutations ) in several different genes, including the DNAI1 and DNAH5 gene; however, the genetic cause is unknown in many families.