Chilaiditi syndrome: a case of missed diagnosis

An Atypical Case of Chilaiditi Syndrome

Chilaiditi's sign is a rare radiological finding in which a portion of the colon or small intestine is interposed between the liver and right hemidiaphragm. We present a 28-year-old male who came to the emergency room with nausea and vomiting. A computed tomography scan without contrast of the abdomen and pelvis showed a new focus of air in the perihepatic region, suggesting a pneumoperitoneum or a loop of bowel. Exploratory laparotomy was pursued but deferred after a multi-disciplinary review of the imaging. A decision was made to pursue conservative management with a diagnosis of Chilaiditi syndrome. This case illustrates the importance of maintaining a broad differential when approaching a patient with abdominal distress and possible pneumoperitoneum, especially when the clinical picture does not align with radiological findings. Early consideration of Chilaiditi syndrome is important to minimize unnecessary surgical intervention such as laparotomy or further endoscopic intervention, which may lead to potential complications such as perforation, bowel wall ischemia, or respiratory failure.

Chilaiditi syndrome: an unusual presentation in elderly man

Chilaiditi syndrome is a radiological manifestation of a large bowel interposition between the liver and right hemidiaphragm that associated with gastrointestinal symptoms. We report a case of 78-year-old Saudi male with multiple comorbidities, presented to the emergency department with two episodes of passaging a large amount of fresh, bright blood per rectum. Later, the patient was diagnosed with Chilaiditi syndrome and managed with conservative measures. The presence of Chilaiditi signs can be caused by an abnormality of either liver, colon or right hemidiaphragm that leads to sub-diaphragmatic space enlargement or intestinal hypermobility. Computed tomography imaging is the best diagnostic modality. Conservative treatment is the first line in management.

Chilaiditi Syndrome in Two Cases Presented with Respiratory Distress Symptoms

Chilaiditi syndrome is a rare syndrome known hepatodiaphramatic interposition of as colon or small intestine. As this pathology is usually asymptomatic, it is incidentally identified in adults and rarely reported in children. Herein, two children cases are presented with respiratory distress, who were diagnosed as Chilaiditi syndrome by chest radiography.