Chilaiditi's syndrome in surgical practice. [case report]

Transients or persistent hepatodiaphragmic interposition of the colon or small intestine; so called chilaiditi's syndrome; is a frequent and general asymptomatic condition; known to all radiologists. All authors agree; the syndrome is commonest in elderly patient. The case reported here is that of 78-year-old man with a long history of abdominal pain; constipation; abdominal distension; loss of appetite; loss of weight and general weakness. Physical examination at admission revealed a cachetic man; dehydrated; with a soft; tympanic; distended abdomen. Routine chest and abdominal x-rays confirmed chilaiditi's syndrome