Chilaiditi Syndrome Complicated by Small Bowel Obstruction

Abstract

Chilaiditi Sign is defined as the positioning of bowel loops in between the liver and right hemidiaphragm which is commonly discovered incidentally in asymptomatic patients. Chilaiditi Syndrome is the symptom associated with this sign. The clinical presentation is a wide spectrum ranging from abdominal discomfort to life threatening conditions. We report a case involving a 56-year-old woman with multiple surgical history presenting with acute intestinal obstruction. Series of imaging revealed small bowel obstruction with a transitional point between the right liver lobe and right hemidiaphragm indicative of Chilaiditi Syndrome. During surgery, laparoscopy identified dense adhesion bands near the right liver lobe causing internal herniation of the small intestines. Awareness of potential complications in this generally benign and often asymptomatic condition can enhance diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. We also highlight the importance of identifying patients at risk of this condition.