1
|
Mendes E, Diz R, Cassama D, Dourado A. Chilaiditi Sign and Syndrome as a Finding in the Emergency Room: A Case Report. Cureus 2024; 16:e75674. [PMID: 39803012 PMCID: PMC11725387 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.75674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2025] Open
Abstract
The Chilaiditi sign is the presence of a loop of bowel interposed between the liver and the diaphragm. In most cases, the Chilaiditi sign is diagnosed as a rare incidental radiological finding on chest X-rays or the abdomen of asymptomatic patients. When associated with symptoms, it is named Chilaiditi syndrome. However, the symptoms are nonspecific, encompassing some of the most common causes of resorting to the emergency room (ER), such as abdominal pain, dyspnea, vomiting, or constipation, which hinders the differential diagnosis, so it's necessary to resort to imaging tests. We report a case of a 56-year-old male who presented to the ER due to dyspnea, constipation, and generalized abdominal pain/discomfort, with no other complaints. The chest X-ray revealed the presence of the Chilaiditi sign, and the diagnosis of Chilaiditi syndrome was considered as a diagnostic hypothesis and later confirmed with the computerized tomography (CT) scan and correlation of the patient's symptoms. We conclude that although Chilaiditi's syndrome is a rare condition, it should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis so that the patient receives adequate treatment with minimal harm since most cases are resolved with conservative treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabete Mendes
- Internal Medicine Department, Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Alentejano, Hospital Dr. José Maria Grande, Portalegre, PRT
| | - Rita Diz
- Internal Medicine Department, Unidade Local de Saúde do Nordeste, Unidade Hospitalar de Bragança, Bragança, PRT
| | - Djenabu Cassama
- Internal Medicine Department, Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Alentejano, Hospital Dr. José Maria Grande, Portalegre, PRT
| | - Ana Dourado
- Clinical Pathology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde do Nordeste, Unidade Hospitalar de Bragança, Bragança, PRT
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Aodish S, Chang V, Callow A. Chilaiditi's Syndrome Mimicking Crohn's. Cureus 2024; 16:e54655. [PMID: 38524032 PMCID: PMC10959826 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Chilaiditi's sign (colonic interposition) is a rare anomaly due to an abnormally located portion of the colon that is interposed in between the liver and the diaphragm. This rare anomaly is often incidentally seen on chest or abdominal radiographs. Chilaiditi's radiographic sign is usually asymptomatic, whereas the medical condition accompanied by clinical symptoms is termed Chilaiditi's syndrome. Possible causes of the syndrome include a long and mobile colon, scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), ascites, long-standing lung disease, as well as laxity of the falciform ligament. The most common clinical signs of Chilaiditi's syndrome include gastrointestinal symptoms; however, clinical presentation can vary. This report describes a case of a 21-year-old male patient who presented with a longstanding history of left upper quadrant epigastric abdominal pain with diarrhea (six to eight loose watery stools). The patient was diagnosed with Crohn's colitis and had tried a myriad of medical therapies with no adequate response. He chose to seek a second opinion and was subsequently discovered to have Chilaiditi's syndrome via computed tomography (CT) and confirmed by barium enema. The patient then elected to undergo a right laparoscopic colectomy to resolve the symptoms. By postoperative day five, all symptoms had resolved including abdominal pain and diarrhea. Therefore, it is important to consider Chilaiditi's syndrome as a differential diagnosis in persons presenting with left upper quadrant pain and symptoms of Crohn's colitis, especially those treated with adequate medical therapy without alleviation of symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandres Aodish
- General Surgery, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, USA
| | - Vincent Chang
- General Surgery, Rochester Regional Health, Rochester, USA
| | - Alexander Callow
- General Surgery, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Richardson B, Hickham L, Harper S, Soliman B. Delayed Right Diaphragmatic Hernia With Chilaiditi Syndrome: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e41420. [PMID: 37546117 PMCID: PMC10403295 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Diaphragmatic hernias can be congenital or acquired and manifest as a defect thus allowing abdominal contents to protrude into the thorax through the defect. Common presentations and symptoms can include shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Rarely colon or small bowel is interposed between the liver and the diaphragm, Chilaiditi sign. When the Chilaiditi sign is accompanied by symptoms it is termed Chilaiditi syndrome. We present a case of a 41-year-old male who was involved in a motor vehicle accident 12 years prior and presented with a right diaphragmatic hernia and Chilaiditi syndrome. The patient presented with a 21-hour history of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. A computed tomography scan of the chest and abdomen revealed the presence of Chilaiditi sign, wherein the large bowel was positioned above the liver, having herniated through a diaphragmatic defect. The patient subsequently underwent an exploratory laparotomy which confirmed an 8 x 4 cm right diaphragmatic defect. Primary repair was completed with intraperitoneal mesh. Diaphragmatic hernias pose diagnostic challenges due to their variable symptomatology and possible delayed onset. Consequently, the importance of including diaphragmatic hernia as part of the differential diagnoses for patients experiencing abdominal pain and/or difficulty breathing is highlighted by this case, especially for individuals with a distant record of trauma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bayley Richardson
- Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Amarillo, USA
| | - Leigh Hickham
- Dermatology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA
| | - Shane Harper
- Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, USA
| | - Basem Soliman
- Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Naggar A, Rostoum S, Retal H, Fenni J, Saouab R. Is it a diaphragmatic hernia? ARCHIVES OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/amhs.amhs_245_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
|
5
|
Chilaiditi’s Syndrome—What Every Endoscopist Should Know. REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/reports3020011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chilaiditi’s syndrome is a rare and often asymptomatic anomaly, typically found as an incidental radiographic sign (gas under the diaphragm) due to hepato-diaphragmatic interposition of the transverse colon. We report a case of Chilaiditi’s syndrome following colonoscopy presenting with severe abdominal pain, dyspnoea and radiograph findings similar to the presence of bowel perforation (appearance of gas under the hemidiaphragm on erect chest radiograph). Computed tomography (CT) evidence of Chilaiditi’s sign prevented unnecessary laparotomy.
Collapse
|
6
|
Luo XG, Wang J, Wang WL, Yu CZ. Intermittent abdominal pain accompanied by defecation difficulties caused by Chilaiditi syndrome: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2018; 6:1042-1046. [PMID: 30568961 PMCID: PMC6288512 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v6.i15.1042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a case of intermittent lower abdominal pain and distension accompanied by defecation difficulties for 3 years due to Chilaiditi syndrome in a 59-year-old male. Before admission to our hospital, the patient had undergone gastroscopy, which showed gastritis and duodenitis, and colonoscopy, which showed cecum deformation and cicatricial changes of the mucous membrane in the colon hepatic flexure. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen at our hospital confirmed right hepatic atrophy and interposition of the colon. Moreover, CT simulation endoscopy identified cystic dilatation in the colon hepatic flexure with the widest diameter of 8.2 cm. The patient was diagnosed with Chilaiditi syndrome. As the patient was unable to endure his defecation difficulties, he underwent a laparoscope-assisted right hemicolectomy. The patient had a good recovery. During the follow-up period of 9 mo, the patient remained symptom-free.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Gang Luo
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wu-Lin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chun-Zhao Yu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, Jiangsu Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Inzamam Ali M, El Essawy B, Menakuru S. Undiagnosed Chilaiditi syndrome presenting with pericarditis in a patient with congenital anomalies. BMJ Case Rep 2018; 2018:bcr-2018-225760. [PMID: 29970610 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-225760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mir Inzamam Ali
- RAK College Of Medical Sciences, Ras-al-Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, UAE
| | - Basset El Essawy
- RAK College Of Medical Sciences, Ras-al-Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, UAE.,Department of Internal Medicine, IBHO Hospital, RAK, UAE.,Renal Division, Transplantation Research Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital /Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Sasmith Menakuru
- Department of Internal Medicine, Narayana Medical College and Hospital, Nellore, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Harpain F, Gasché C, Prager G, Silberhumer GR. A siphon-like retrogastric transverse colon: A case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2018; 44:110-113. [PMID: 29499513 PMCID: PMC5910513 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intestinal interposition is a term that describes rare anatomic variations where parts of the colon deviate from their normal intraabdominal position, attaching between two organs. Most patients with colonic interpositions are asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally by computed tomography or ultrasound. Here we present a case of a symptomatic restrogastric colon, interposing kinked between stomach and pancreas. PRESENTATION OF CASE A 66-year old female patient presented with an eight-year history of intermittent spastic bowel movements, epigastralgia and nausea. Consecutively, the patient lost 12 kg. Physical examination was unremarkable and routine blood tests were within normal limits. Subsequently performed colonoscopy and cross-sectional imaging diagnosed a retrogastric colon. Finally, the patient underwent surgical treatment. The intraoperative findings were consistent with the computed tomography images and showed a kinked retrogastric protrusion of the transverse colon into the lesser sac, adhering to both, the posterior wall of the stomach, and the anterior surface of the pancreas. After adhesiolysis and mobilization, the transverse colon slipped back to the normal position within the abdominal cavity. The patient recovered well after surgery and was discharged on the sixth postoperative day. Six-month follow-up revealed cured bowel function, weight regain and no signs of recurrence. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION These rare cases of intestinal interpositions are very often difficult to diagnose, as symptoms are misleading. In case of diagnosis adequate surgical treatment strategies should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Harpain
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Gasché
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Prager
- Department of Surgery, Division of Visceral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerd R Silberhumer
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fomin D, Baranauskaitė V, Laima S, Jasulaitis A, Petroška D. Death Caused by Hepatodiaphragmatic Interposition of the Colon. J Forensic Sci 2016; 62:247-249. [PMID: 27861867 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatodiaphragmatic interposition of the colon is a rare, usually asymptomatic, anomaly and is typically an incidental radiologic finding. There are few cases in the literature describing the symptomatic form of the condition, known as Chilaiditi syndrome. In some cases, it may be accompanied by various severe complications. If symptoms are present, usually conservative treatment is given. However, conservative treatment only addresses the symptoms but does not prevent their recurrence and possible complications. Our present report shows that this anomaly may not only cause symptoms, but may also progress and cause severe complications, in our case-megacolon leading to right heart failure and, ultimately, death. To date, however, there have been no literature reports of death caused by colonic interposition. Therefore, it is important to draw attention to the importance of this anomaly and its appropriate diagnosis and treatment to ensure the most favorable patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dmitrij Fomin
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vilma Baranauskaitė
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Sigitas Laima
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Algimantas Jasulaitis
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Donatas Petroška
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.,National Center of Pathology, Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Clinics, Vilnius, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Weng WH, Liu DAR, Feng CC, Que RS. Colonic interposition between the liver and left diaphragm - management of Chilaiditi syndrome: A case report and literature review. Oncol Lett 2014; 7:1657-1660. [PMID: 24765195 PMCID: PMC3997735 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.1903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Chilaiditi syndrome refers to a medical condition that is indicated by the presence of Chilaiditi sign, the radiological observation of a colonic interposition between the liver and the diaphragm, and is associated with other clinical symptoms. Chilaiditi syndrome is a rare entity and therefore, is often misdiagnosed in clinical practice, however, it may be accompanied by a series of severe complications, such as bowel obstruction and perforation. The current study describes a 47-year-old male who presented with repeated abdominal pain and acute intestinal obstruction. The patient was diagnosed with Chilaiditi syndrome via radiological observation and was cured by conservative treatment. The clinical data of seven additional patients with Chilaiditi syndrome, which was reported in the Chinese literature between January 1990 and January 2013, were also collected. The pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome have been reviewed and analyzed. The current study may be useful to familiarize clinical practitioners with Chilaiditi syndrome, in order to avoid a misdiagnosis during clinical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hong Weng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - DA-Ren Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Cheng-Cheng Feng
- Department of Surgery, Cixi Red Cross Hospital, Cixi, Zhejiang 315300, P.R. China
| | - Ri-Sheng Que
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Özer C, Zenger S. Chilaiditi syndrome in a patient with urological problems: Incidental diagnosis on computed tomography. Can Urol Assoc J 2012; 6:E75-6. [PMID: 22511439 DOI: 10.5489/cuaj.11048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A rare syndrome, Chilaiditi's syndrome is interposition of the colon only or with the small intestine in hepatodiaphragmatic area. It may be asymptomatic, but it may also present with symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation and respiratory distress. We present a patient who was admitted with urological problems; he was incidentally diagnosed with Chilaiditi's syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cevahir Özer
- Nobel Surgical Medical Center, Division of Urology, Adana, Turkey.
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Os autores apresentam um caso de síndrome de Chilaiditi em uma mulher de 56 anos de idade. Mesmo tratando-se de condição benigna com rara indicação cirúrgica, reveste-se de grande importância pela implicação de urgência operatória que representa o diagnóstico equivocado de pneumoperitônio nesses pacientes. É realizada revisão da literatura, com ênfase na fisiopatologia, propedêutica e tratamento desta entidade.
Collapse
|
13
|
Smith DC. Editorial Comment. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.soard.2005.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|