Which syndrome is associated with situs inversus, chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis, and infertility?

Which syndrome is associated with situs inversus, chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis, and infertility?

• A. Marfan syndrome
• B. Kartagener's syndrome
• C. Cystic fibrosis
• D. Primary ciliary dyskinesia

Answer: (B)

The syndrome associated with situs inversus, chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis, and infertility is Kartagener's syndrome, which is a type of primary ciliary dyskinesia. In this condition, the malfunctioning cilia lead to impaired mucociliary clearance in the respiratory tract, resulting in chronic respiratory infections, including bronchiectasis. Situs inversus refers to a reversal of the normal positioning of the internal organs, which occurs due to the abnormal arrangement of cilia during embryonic development. This phenomenon is a hallmark of Kartagener's syndrome. Chronic sinusitis is also common due to the ineffective clearance of secretions from the sinuses. Infertility in individuals with Kartagener's syndrome is primarily due to the immobility of sperm and the fallopian tubes, which are also lined with cilia that help move sperm and eggs. While primary ciliary dyskinesia is a broader category encompassing several conditions, Kartagener's syndrome specifically refers to the triad of bronchiectasis, chronic sinusitis, and situs inversus, making it the most fitting answer in this context.

The syndrome associated with situs inversus, chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis, and infertility is Kartagener's syndrome, which is a type of primary ciliary dyskinesia. In this condition, the malfunctioning cilia lead to impaired mucociliary clearance in the respiratory tract, resulting in chronic respiratory infections, including bronchiectasis.

Situs inversus refers to a reversal of the normal positioning of the internal organs, which occurs due to the abnormal arrangement of cilia during embryonic development. This phenomenon is a hallmark of Kartagener's syndrome. Chronic sinusitis is also common due to the ineffective clearance of secretions from the sinuses.

Infertility in individuals with Kartagener's syndrome is primarily due to the immobility of sperm and the fallopian tubes, which are also lined with cilia that help move sperm and eggs.

While primary ciliary dyskinesia is a broader category encompassing several conditions, Kartagener's syndrome specifically refers to the triad of bronchiectasis, chronic sinusitis, and situs inversus, making it the most fitting answer in this context.