Kartagener Syndrome

Kartagener syndrome, a type of primary ciliary dyskinesia, is an inherited disorder of special cells called cilia. The cilia sweep inhaled molecules of dust, smoke, etc., as well as bacteria, up and out of the respiratory tract. In Kartagener syndrome, mucus and bacteria in the lungs can't be expelled, and as a result, frequent lung infections (such as pneumonia) develop. The important symptom that distinguishes Kartagener syndrome from other types of primary ciliary dyskinesia is positioning of the internal organs on the side opposite from normal (called situs inversus).

Photo © A.D.A.M.