Total situs inversus found coincidentally following a firearm injury

Abstract

Situs inversus totalis is very rare and usually diagnosed coincidentally as it does not affect the patient's life. Being unaware of the patient's condition can lead to undesirable results from the surgeon and patient's point of view when an emergency and forensic surgical intervention is required. We present a case who was operated on urgently for a firearm injury after receiving a preoperative diagnosis of situs inversus totalis. In conclusion, situs inversus totalis can cause difficulties for surgeons in case of emergency surgery and is usually diagnosed coincidentally. There are a few cases of situs inversus with lung cancer in the literature but this is the first time a case with a firearm injury has been reported. © 2012 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.