From the Guidelines
Levocardia is the normal positioning of the heart in the left side of the chest cavity, where the apex of the heart is directed toward the left side of the body. This standard anatomical arrangement is found in most people, with the right atrium and ventricle positioned on the right side and the left atrium and ventricle on the left side, allowing for normal cardiac function and efficient blood circulation through the lungs and to the rest of the body 1.
Key Characteristics of Levocardia
- The heart is oriented with its apex directed toward the left side of the body
- The right atrium and ventricle are positioned on the right side
- The left atrium and ventricle are positioned on the left side
- No treatment is required for levocardia as it represents normal cardiac positioning It's essential to distinguish levocardia from conditions like dextrocardia (heart positioned on the right side) or mesocardia (heart positioned in the middle of the chest), which may be associated with other congenital abnormalities, as noted in the acc/aha 2008 guidelines for the management of adults with congenital heart disease 1.
Clinical Implications
- Levocardia is not a condition that requires treatment, as it is the normal anatomical position of the heart
- Accurate diagnosis and distinction from other cardiac positioning abnormalities are crucial for proper management and treatment of related conditions
- The normal left-sided position of the heart allows for efficient blood circulation and is essential for maintaining optimal cardiac function and overall health.
From the Research
Definition of Levocardia
- Levocardia refers to the normal positioning of the heart on the left side of the thorax 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- It is a crucial aspect of the body's overall anatomy, and any deviation from this normal positioning can lead to various health complications.
Relationship with Situs Inversus
- Situs inversus with levocardia is a rare condition where the heart is in the normal left-sided position, but the abdominal viscera are in the dextroposition 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- This condition can be associated with severe congenital defects of the heart, although some cases may have a normal heart with no cardiac anomalies 2, 4, 6.
Diagnosis and Management
- Levocardia can be diagnosed prenatally using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 3.
- Medical imaging, such as computed tomography and echocardiography, can also be used to confirm the diagnosis and identify any associated cardiac or abdominal anomalies 2, 4, 5, 6.
- Management of levocardia depends on the presence and severity of associated cardiac or abdominal anomalies, and may involve surgical intervention or conservative treatment 3, 5.