Rare Medical Case Identified in Mahachai Hospital Patient
A doctor at Mahachai Hospital has reported a rare case of Kartagener syndrome in a patient presenting with chronic cough.
On November 6, 2026, Dr. Phurin Hapasert of the Mahachai Hospital lung and respiratory clinic shared details regarding a rare medical case involving a Bangladeshi male patient. The patient initially sought consultation for a chronic cough, phlegm, and recurring nasal congestion that had persisted for over a year. During the physical examination, Dr. Phurin discovered that the patient's heart sounds were located on the right side of the chest. Subsequent diagnostic imaging, including chest X-rays and sinus scans, confirmed the presence of dextrocardia and sinusitis. Further investigation into the patient's medical history revealed that he had been unable to conceive children despite ten years of marriage without contraception. Based on these clinical findings, the doctor suspected Kartagener syndrome, a rare genetic condition estimated to affect approximately one in 30,000 people. The patient was referred for further testing, including a semen analysis, to confirm the diagnosis. For residents and travelers, this case highlights the importance of specialized medical diagnostics in Thailand's healthcare system. While this condition is rare, it underscores the necessity of thorough physical examinations when dealing with persistent respiratory issues. Further confirmation of the genetic diagnosis is pending the results of the additional clinical tests.
