Chilaiditi syndrome

Abstract

Chilaiditi syndrome is a condition arising from interposition of hepatic flexure or small intestine between liver and diaphragm intermittently or constantly. This syndrome is usually asymptomatic and diagnosis is usually made radiological and named as Chilaiditi sign. And if symptomatic it is defined as Chilaiditi syndrome. In this study, detection of frequency of Chilaiditi syndrome and its etiologic factors are aimed. All of the abdominal computed tomography studies taken in radiology unit of our hospital at preceding 1 year were screened retrospectively. Files of the patients who had Chilaiditi finding were analyzed retrospectively, demographic and clinical findings were recorded. Eighteen Chilaiditi signs were detected in 3520 abdominal CTs taken and patients were retrospectively analyzed. Two patients were symptomatic and the remaining were asymptomatic. Mean age was 69, 3 years and except one patient all the patients had an accompanying chronic illnesses. Of the patients in whom Chilaiditi sign was detected, 3 were females and remaining 15 were males. Number of Chilaiditi finding in 3520 CT was 18 and its incidence in patients requiring abdominal CT is estimated as 0,19%. Two cases were Chilaiditi syndrome and only 11% of Chilaiditi findings were found to be Chilaiditi syndrome. In the light of literature the most important etiologic factors for Chilaiditi sign and Chilaiditi syndrome are advanced age, male gender and accompanying chronic diseases. When Chilaiditi sign is detected, gastrointestinal tractus should be reviewed and differential diagnosis with pneumoperitoneum and the other conditions should be made.