Chilaiditi syndrome

Chilaiditi syndrome is a rare condition which occurs when there is a loop of colon (usually transverse colon) in between the diaphragm and the liver, visible on plain abdominal X-ray. It was first described by Greek radiologist Demetrius Chilaiditi in 1910.

It may occur in patients with chronic lung disease, postnecrotic cirrhosis and ascites but is frequently an incidental finding in normal individuals. This anatomical variant is sometimes mistaken for the more serious condition of having air under the diaphragm which is usually an indication of bowel perforation.

Synonyms: Interpositio hepatodiaphragmatica, Subphrenic displacement of the colon, Subphrenic interposition syndrome.

It is associated with relative atrophy of the medial segment of the left lobe of the liver. The gallbladder position is often anomalous as well - it is often located anterior to the liver, rather than posterior.