What are the components of the triad seen in Kartagener's syndrome?

Study for the USMLE Step 2 CK Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The components of the triad seen in Kartagener's syndrome are sinusitis, bronchiectasis, and situs inversus. Kartagener's syndrome is a form of primary ciliary dyskinesia, which leads to impaired mucociliary clearance due to dysfunctional cilia.

Sinusitis is common in this condition because the impaired cilia are unable to effectively clear mucus from the sinuses, leading to chronic inflammation and infection. Bronchiectasis develops due to the same mechanism in the airways, where trapped secretions and chronic infections can lead to permanent dilation and damage of the bronchi. Situs inversus, a condition where the major visceral organs are reversed from their normal positions, is also frequently associated with Kartagener's syndrome due to the abnormal ciliary function during embryonic development.

This triad distinguishes Kartagener's syndrome from other conditions, making it critical for identifying and diagnosing this specific genetic disorder. The other options do not reflect the classic manifestations associated with Kartagener's syndrome and instead involve unrelated symptoms or conditions. For instance, asthma, pancreatitis, congenital heart disease, infertility, hydrocephalus, osteoporosis, migraines, and pulmonary embolism do not comprise the defining features of this syndrome.

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