Chilaiditi Syndrome Meaning, Symptoms, Causes, X-ray, Treatment

Chilaiditi Syndrome is an uncommon pathological state characterized by the interposition of an intestinal segment between the diaphragm and liver. Although it rarely causes symptoms, it can lead to changes in bowel habits, breathing problems, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, anorexia, and constipation. The incidence of the Chilaiditi sign ranges from 0.025 to 0.28 percent globally, with a male-to-female ratio of 4:1. It manifests itself most frequently among the geriatric demographic, with an incidence rate of 1%.

Chilaiditi Syndrome Symptoms

The most frequent gastrointestinal symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Constipation 
• Vomiting

Rarer occurrences include respiratory distress and angina-like chest pain. Additional signs and symptoms include 

• small intestine obstruction and dyspepsia
• Swelling in the abdomen
• swallowing difficulties
• abdominal pain in the upper, middle region
• Consistent bouts of stomach discomfort 

Chilaiditi Syndrome Causes

Although the exact cause of Chilaiditi syndrome remains unknown, various predisposing factors have been linked to the condition. such as chronic pulmonary disease

• cirrhosis
• Fluid build-up in the abdominal cavity (ascites)
• anomalous colon elongation 
• anomalous colon looseness 
• increasing intra-abdominal pressure 
• significant weight reduction in obese individuals
• paralysis of the diaphragm

Chilaiditi Syndrome X-ray

The Chilaiditi sign can be visualized as a gas between the liver and diaphragm on an X-ray, with the presence of haustra within the gas indicating that it is inside the bowel and not free. It is possible to confuse this for free air because it appears as a crescentic lucency in the right upper quadrant. For more evidence that the air is in the colon, it is crucial to search for the haustral folds in the lucency.

Chilaiditi Syndrome Treatment

Conservative Measures for Chilaiditi Syndrome:

Bed rest: In order to reduce symptoms and facilitate healing, sufficient bed rest is the cornerstone of initial care.

Intravenous hydration: In order to effectively manage Chilaiditi syndrome, intravenous fluids are essential for both restoring and sustaining hydration levels.

Decompression of the bowel: Bowel decompression procedures are used to release pressure on the intervening colon, which helps to alleviate symptoms.

Enemas and laxatives: Facilitating bowel motions with these methods can help with symptom relief.

Surgical Intervention

Laparoscopic surgery: This method has many benefits, such as less postoperative discomfort and faster recovery periods. 

Robotic-assisted surgery: Robust-assisted surgery has grown in popularity due to the exceptional maneuverability of its instruments.