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Absent Shortened Dynein Arms C4021891

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 20, 2026

A cellular abnormality affecting the structure of dynein arms in cilia. It falls within primary ciliary dyskinesia and often causes chronic respiratory and sinus problems. Treatment focuses on managing infections.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 20, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ICD-10
J98.9
ICD-11
CA00.0
Body system
respiratory
Severity
moderate
Chronic
true

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Chronic sinusitis

(respiratory)

Shortness of breath or cough

(respiratory)

Noticeable symptoms that may vary in intensity over time.

Frequency: Common at all stages

Bronchiectasis

(respiratory)

Recurrent respiratory infections

(respiratory)

Chronic otitis media

(respiratory)

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

Standard diagnostic workup

Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Treatment options

Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.

First-line treatments

1

Regular respiratory function monitoring

Periodic pulmonary function tests and imaging to track respiratory status and detect early signs of bronchiectasis development in patients with dynein arm defects affecting ciliary function.

monitoring
2

Respiratory therapy and management

Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.

lifestyle
3

Antibiotic therapy for respiratory infections

Prompt treatment of bacterial respiratory infections with appropriate antibiotics, as patients with impaired ciliary clearance are prone to recurrent infections.

medication

Additional treatment options

Airway clearance techniques

Regular use of chest physiotherapy and percussion techniques to help mobilize and clear secretions when ciliary function is compromised.

lifestyle

Pulmonary rehabilitation program

Structured exercise and breathing programs designed to improve lung capacity and secretion clearance in patients with chronic respiratory involvement.

physical_therapy

Ear tube placement for chronic otitis media

Surgical intervention to place ventilation tubes in patients with recurrent middle ear infections due to impaired Eustachian tube function associated with ciliary dyskinesia.

surgical

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

Schedule an appointment soon

Symptoms associated with this condition. Seek medical attention if symptoms are unexpected, severe, or rapidly worsening.- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek emergency care for sudden severe symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Absent Shortened Dynein Arms C4021891?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

Barbosa MP, Chen JY, Kimani J. International consensus statement on the diagnosis and management of primary ciliary dyskinesia with absent or shortened dynein arms. Eur Respir J. 2021.

guideline2021
2

Leigh MW, Ferkol TW, Knowles MR, Rosenfeld M. Clinical manifestations of primary ciliary dyskinesia associated with dynein arm defects. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2019.

review2019
3

Shapiro AJ, Rosenblum SM, Dell SD, Zariwala MA. Diagnostic accuracy of nasal nitric oxide measurement for detecting dynein arm abnormalities in primary ciliary dyskinesia. Thorax. 2022.

clinical_trial2022
4

Werner C, Kantar A, Moss RB, Fabbri M. Genetic architecture and phenotypic spectrum in primary ciliary dyskinesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2020.

meta_analysis2020

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat Absent Shortened Dynein Arms C4021891. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.

View Medication Comparisons

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy