Ivemark Syndrome
National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
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General Discussion
Ivemark syndrome is a rare disorder that affects multiple organ systems of the body. It is characterized by the absence (asplenia) or underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of the spleen, malformations of the heart and the abnormal arrangement of the internal organs of the chest and abdomen. The symptoms of Ivemark syndrome can vary greatly depending upon the specific abnormalities present. Many infants have symptoms associated with abnormalities affecting the heart including bluish discoloration to the skin due to a lack of oxygen in the blood (cyanosis), heart murmurs, and signs of congestive heart failure. Ivemark syndrome often causes life-threatening complications during infancy. The exact cause of Ivemark syndrome is not known.
The medical terminology used to describe Ivemark syndrome and related disorders is extremely complicated and confusing. Ivemark syndrome is classified as a heterotaxy disorder or a laterality disorder. These terms refer to the failure of the internal organs of the chest and abdomen to be arranged in the proper location within the body. Additional terms used when discussing Ivemark syndrome may include situs solitus (which refers to the normal positioning of these organs); situs inversus (which refers to the complete reversal of the organs so that those normally on the left side are on the right and vice versa); and situs ambiguous (which refers to the random positioning of the organs, with some in the correct place and others in the wrong location). Ivemark syndrome is usually referred to as a specific form of situs ambiguous.
Supporting Organizations
Congenital Heart Information Network (C.H.I.N.)
- P.O. Box 3397
- Margate City, NJ 08402-0397
- Tel: (609)823-4507
- Fax: (609)822-1574
- Email: mb@tchin.org
- Website: http://www.tchin.org
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
- PO Box 8126
- Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
- Tel: (301)251-4925
- Fax: (301)251-4911
- Tel: (888)205-2311
- Website: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/
March of Dimes
- 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
- White Plains, NY 10605
- Tel: (914)997-4488
- Fax: (914)997-4763
- Email: AskUs@marchofdimes.org or preguntas@nacersano.org
- Website: http://www.marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org
NIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
- P.O. Box 30105
- Bethesda, MD 20892-0105
- Tel: (301)592-8573
- Fax: (301)251-1223
- Email: nhlbiinfo@rover.nhlbi.nih.gov
- Website: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
For a Complete Report
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). For a full-text version of this report, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
Last Updated: 8/24/2010
Copyright 2010 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
