From Pulmonary Tuberculosis Sequela to Kartagener\'s Syndrome: An Accidental Diagnosis; Case Report

Aims and background: Kartagener's syndrome (KS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder and a subset of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), characterized by the triad of situs inversus, bronchiectasis, and chronic sinusitis.Owing to its rarity and overlap with other chronic pulmonary conditions, the diagnosis is frequently delayed or missed, especially in resource-limited settings.This report aims to highlight an incidental diagnosis of KS in a patient previously treated for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), emphasizing the importance of comprehensive evaluation in patients with recurrent respiratory symptoms and unusual anatomical findings.Case description: A 54-year-old male with a history of treated PTB presented with chronic productive cough, progressive dyspnea, and recurrent respiratory infections for over a decade.Imaging revealed dextrocardia with situs inversus totalis, bilateral bronchiectasis, and additional visceral anomalies.Flexible bronchoscopy demonstrated mirrored bronchial anatomy.The patient also had a long-standing history of infertility and had conceived only after in vitro fertilization (IVF).Microbiological investigations were negative for active infection.Based on the constellation of situs inversus, bronchiectasis, recurrent sinopulmonary infections, and infertility, a diagnosis of KS was established.The patient was managed with antibiotics, bronchodilators, airway clearance techniques, and supportive care, with clinical improvement.Conclusion: This case underscores the risk of misattributing chronic respiratory symptoms to prior pulmonary infections such as TB.Early recognition of KS is crucial to prevent progressive pulmonary damage, optimize long-term management, and address associated reproductive and genetic implications.