Situs inversus

This code describes a rare congenital condition where the major visceral organs are reversed or mirrored from their normal anatomical positions. For example, the heart is on the right side of the chest, and the liver is on the left. This reversal can be complete (situs inversus totalis) or partial (situs inversus incompletus).

Use this code when medical documentation clearly states the presence of situs inversus, regardless of whether it is totalis or incompletus. This diagnosis is often made incidentally during imaging studies (e.g., X-ray, CT, MRI) or during surgical exploration. Documentation should specify the reversal of organ positions.

• Do not code with Q24.0 (dextrocardia NOS) as situs inversus implies dextrocardia as part of the organ reversal.
• If situs inversus is part of a more complex syndrome (e.g., Kartagener's syndrome), code the syndrome first, then this code as a manifestation.
• Ensure documentation specifies "situs inversus" rather than just "dextrocardia" to accurately reflect the complete organ reversal.