# Navigating Infertility in Kartagener's Syndrome: A Clinical Case Report

## TL;DR

A 24-year-old man with Kartagener's syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, was found to have infertility and respiratory issues, and successfully became a father through IVF.

## Contribution

Highlights the importance of diagnosing Kartagener's syndrome in cases of unexplained infertility and respiratory symptoms.

## Key findings

- IVF successfully resulted in pregnancy despite sperm immotility in a Kartagener's syndrome patient.
- Early diagnosis of Kartagener's syndrome can prevent chronic respiratory issues and enable parenthood.
- Clinical features like situs inversus and bronchiectasis were key in diagnosing the syndrome.

## Abstract

Kartagener's syndrome is a genetic condition that is caused by a triad of symptoms, which includes bronchiectasis, chronic sinusitis, and situs inversus, and is considered rare. It is caused by defective ciliary motility, leading to impaired mucociliary clearance. We report a case of a 24-year-old male who presented with primary infertility and a long-standing history of recurrent respiratory infections. Physical examination revealed dextrocardia and digital clubbing. Radiological investigations confirmed situs inversus totalis and bronchiectasis. Semen analysis revealed azoospermia. Genetic analysis was not done due to financial constraints. However, the constellation of clinical features was diagnostic of Kartagener's syndrome. The patient was managed with antibiotics and chest physiotherapy. In vitro fertilization (IVF) was advised for infertility. A successful pregnancy was achieved through IVF, indicating viable sperm despite immotility. The aforementioned case underscores the significance of maintaining a heightened sense of suspicion for Kartagener's syndrome in individuals exhibiting unexplained bronchiectasis and infertility. Early diagnosis can prevent chronic respiratory morbidity and enable parenthood through assisted reproduction.