Kartegeners

Findings: There is lower lobe consolidation in the nonanatomic right side with a parapneumonic effusion. There are increased reticular markings predominantly in the mid lower lungs which are chronic. The gastric bubble and the cardiac silhouette are on the nonanatomic right side consistent with situs inversus. Parapneumonic effusion.

This constellation of findings are likely due to Kartageners syndrome with nonanatomic right lower lobe secondary pneumonia and parapneumonic effusion.

Discussion: Kartegener's syndrome consists of the following triad: situs inversus (transposition) of the viscera, abnormal frontal sinuses producing sinusitis and bronchiectasis, and immobility of the cilia.

It is inherited by an autosomal recessive pattern. Patients present with symptoms resulting from defective cilia motility.

The symptoms are most severe during the first decade of life and decrease near adolescence. Immotile spermatozoa result in male sterility.

Source: Nadel HR et al. The immotile cilia syndrome: radiological manifestations. Radiology. Mar 1985;154(3):651-5.