A false positive space-occupying lesion appearance in colloid liver scintigraphy due to Chilaiditi's syndrome

Chilaiditi Sign on 99mTc-Mebrofenin Hepatobiliary Scan Mimicking Bile Leak in Acute Cholecystitis

Chilaiditi sign is the incidental radiologic finding of intestinal interposition between the liver and diaphragm, whereas Chilaiditi syndrome describes the presence of accompanying clinical symptoms including abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, and respiratory distress. We describe a case of radiotracer accumulation over the liver dome on Tc-mebrofenin hepatobiliary scan performed on a 72-year-old man with acute cholecystitis mimicking a bile leak. However, chest radiograph and CT revealed intestinal hepatodiaphragmatic interposition. This case illustrates the importance of being familiar with the scintigraphic appearance of the Chilaiditi sign and correlating abnormal nuclear medicine scan findings with other available radiologic modalities.