Kartagener syndrome with partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage: a case report

BACKGROUND: Kartagener syndrome, defined by situs inversus, bronchiectasis, and chronic sinusitis. This condition rarely coexists with cardiac anomalies. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 34-year-old Asian female of East Javanese descent presenting with an acute exacerbation of respiratory symptoms, including progressive dyspnea, fever, and productive cough. Clinical evaluation revealed severe hypoxemia and previously undiagnosed dextrocardia, necessitating immediate stabilization and further diagnostic workup. Imaging revealed situs inversus totalis with partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, where two right pulmonary veins drained into the right atrium, accompanied by severe tricuspid and moderate pulmonary regurgitation. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) confirmed bilateral bronchiectasis and thoracoabdominal situs inversus, all findings consistent with Kartagener's syndrome. The patient improved with pulmonary vasodilators, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, and antibiotics, and was discharged in stable condition. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the rare coexistence of Kartagener syndrome and partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, underscoring the crucial role of multimodality imaging in early recognition and tailored management.