

There may also be irregularities with the skeleton, central nervous system and urinary tract.This also may require surgical intervention. Some children with heterotaxy syndrome can have a very serious condition of the liver called biliary atresia.Many children with malrotation need abdominal surgery to correct it. With this problem the bowel can twist on itself (volvulus). The intestines may have malrotation, which is when the loops of bowel are lined up incorrectly.In addition, organs such as the stomach, intestines, liver and lungs may be in abnormal places in the chest and abdomen. All usually involve heart defects of varying types and severity. There are different forms of heterotaxy syndrome.

The beginning of the word (hetero-) means “different” and the end (–taxy) means “arrangement.” Heterotaxy syndrome is a rare birth defect that involves the heart and other organs.
