Association of SARS-CoV-2 Infection during Early Weeks of Gestation with Situs Inversus

This correspondence reports a fourfold increase in fetal situs inversus (52 totalis, 4 partial cases) diagnosed via ultrasonography in China during early 2023, coinciding with the post zero Covid SARS-CoV-2 surge (December 2022-February 2023). The authors hypothesize that maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during early gestation may disrupt visceral lateralization via cilia dysfunction or inflammatory responses, though causality remains unconfirmed. Genetic and environmental confounders require further study. Data from two obstetrical centers showed incidence peaked in April 2023 (56 cases total), remaining elevated through June.

This correspondence reports a fourfold increase in fetal situs inversus (52 totalis, 4 partial cases) diagnosed via ultrasonography in China during early 2023, coinciding with the post zero Covid SARS-CoV-2 surge (December 2022-February 2023). The authors hypothesize that maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during early gestation may disrupt visceral lateralization via cilia dysfunction or inflammatory responses, though causality remains unconfirmed. Genetic and environmental confounders require further study. Data from two obstetrical centers showed incidence peaked in April 2023 (56 cases total), remaining elevated through June.