The liver and Chilaiditi's syndrome: Significance of hepatic surface grooves

Liver surface depressions in the presence of diaphragmatic muscular bands on trans-illumination

Traditional descriptions of liver anatomy refer to a smooth, convex surface contacting the diaphragm. Surface depressions are recognized anatomic variants. There are many theories to explain the cause of the depressions. We discuss the theory that these are caused by hypertrophic muscular bands in the diaphragm.

Laparoscopic Completion Cholecystectomy: An Audit from the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (AHPBA) Caribbean Chapter

Objective

Removal of a gallbladder remnant occasionally becomes necessary when retained stones become symptomatic. Although the laparoscopic approach has been described, it is not yet considered the standard of care. We sought to determine the outcomes after completion cholecystectomies in the resource-poor setting within the Caribbean. 

Methods

We carried out an audit of the databases from all hepatobiliary surgeons in the Anglophone Caribbean. We identified all patients who had completion cholecystectomy over the five-year period from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2018. Retrospective chart review was performed to extract the following data: patient demographics, diagnoses, presenting complaints, operative details, morbidity, mortality, and clinical outcomes. Descriptive statistics were generated using Statistical Packaging for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 12.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago IL)

Results

There were 12 patients who were subjected to laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis (7), severe biliary pancreatitis (3), and chronic cholecystitis (2) secondary to stones in a gallbladder remnant. There were 10 women and two men at a mean age of 47.4 years (range 32-60; standard deviation (SD) +/-7.81; median 48; mode 52) and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 30.8 Kg/M² (SD +/-3.81; range 26-38; median 29.5). The mean interval between the index operation and the completion operation was 14.8 months (SD +/- 12.3; range 1-48; median 13; mode 18). Five (42%) patients had their original cholecystectomy using the open approach. Five (42%) index operations were done on an emergent basis and the gallbladder remnant was deliberately left behind in three (25%) index operations. The completion cholecystectomies were all completed laparoscopically in 130.5 minutes (SD +/- 30.5; range 90-180, median 125; mode 125) without any conversions or mortality. There were two minor bile leaks that resolved without intervention through an indwelling drain. 

Discussion

Completions cholecystectomy can be completed via the laparoscopic approach with good outcomes and acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. The patients derive the same advantages as elective cholecystectomies. Therefore, the laparoscopic approach, when performed by hepatobiliary surgeons with advanced laparoscopic expertise in specialized centers, should be the new standard of care. 

Chilaiditi Syndrome: A Rare Case of Chest Pain due to Colonic Interposition

We present an unusual case of Chilaiditi syndrome that manifests under the guise of multiple systemic signs and symptoms. An 81-year-old female patient with a history of coronary artery disease and hypothyroidism presented to emergency department (ED) with chest heaviness associated with nausea, shortness of breath, diffuse abdominal pain and constipation. Her symptoms were similar to the previous episode of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The clinical team ruled out acute coronary syndrome based on electrocardiogram (EKG) and troponin levels. On further testing, CT of the abdomen revealed the interposition of colon on the dome of diaphragm consistent with Chilaiditi sign. The patient was diagnosed with Chilaiditi syndrome based on the characteristic radiological finding and the symptomatic presentation. Conservative management with bowel rest and laxative bowel regimen resolved her symptoms without further complications. A high index of suspicion is required for the early diagnosis and can prevent further complications and mitigate the need for laparoscopic intervention.

Chilaiditi's Sign: A Case Report

Chilaiditi’s sign refers to the interposition of the colon (usually the transverse colon) between the diaphragm and the liver. When associated with abdominal pain it is referred to as Chilaiditi’s syndrome. Chilaiditi’s sign is rare entity with an estimated incidence of 0.025 to 0.28% worldwide. The sign occurs more frequently in males, with a male to female ratio of 4:1. Apparent pneumoperitoneum seen on imaging below the right hemidiaphragm, a life-threatening condition, may in fact be merely Chilaiditi’s sign. Awareness of this phenomenon and its consideration as a differential diagnosis is essential to prevent unnecessary laparoscopic intervention.

Here we present a case of a 74-year-old male who was incidentally found to have free air under the diaphragm without symptoms of abdominal pain. After further evaluation by the radiologists and surgeons it was concluded that he had Chilaiditi’s sign and no further intervention was required. However, due to the lack of awareness of this radiographic finding patients can be subjected to unnecessary surgical intervention.