People reported on the 30th that actress Catherine O'Hara had the rare congenital anatomical condition "situs inversus" during her lifetime.
According to reports, O'Hara died in Los Angeles, U.S., on the 30th (local time). She was 71. When she was transported to the hospital, she was in serious condition, and she died after a short illness. The exact cause of death has not been disclosed, and there is currently no evidence that the rare condition was directly related to her death.
■ "Organs flipped like a mirror"… what is situs inversus?
Situs inversus is a congenital variation in which the major organs of the chest and abdomen exist with left and right reversed from their usual positions. According to the Cleveland Clinic in the U.S., it is a very rare case that occurs in about 1 in 10,000 people. Most people have no special symptoms, and treatment is often unnecessary.
O'Hara had the type called "dextrocardia," in which the heart faces to the right. In other words, internal organs including the heart had a left-right reversed structure.
■ "I'm a freak" confession told with laughter
O'Hara first revealed the fact in an online interview in 2020 and jokingly said "I'm a freak," attracting attention. She recalled that she learned of it when an abnormality was found on an electrocardiogram (EKG) during a tuberculosis screening while preparing her youngest son's school enrollment.
She said, "The doctor switched the EKG machine twice while examining me, and then told me to get a chest X-ray. Then he said, 'You are a case I've never seen before.' That was the first time I heard the term 'situs inversus.'"
■ Mostly asymptomatic… but important information for medical staff
Medically, situs inversus is generally harmless, but it is considered important prior information for medical staff because there is a risk of misjudging organ locations in emergencies or during surgery. In fact, many patients live their whole lives without realizing it.
O'Hara said, "I have seven siblings, and I wondered whether my other siblings know where their hearts are," which drew laughter.
■ The legend remains, and the story continues
From the film Beetlejuice and Home Alone to the drama Schitt's Creek. O'Hara captivated her era with distinctive characters and rhythm. Her attitude of cheerfully sharing the special physical story hidden behind the laughter remained "Catherine O'Hara-ness" until the end.
Her acting, speech and approach to life continue to give many people a deep resonance.<
[Photo] ©Gettyimages (unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)
[OSEN]