CHILAIDITIS SYNDROME

Chilaiditis sign refers to the interposition of the colon (usually the transverse colon) between the diaphragm and the liver. When associated with abdominal pain, it is referred to as Chilaiditis syndrome. Chilaiditis sign is uncommon with an estimated incidence of 0.025 to 0.28% worldwide (1). The sign occurs more frequently in males, with a male to female ratio of 4:1 (2). Apparent pneumoperitoneum seen on imaging below the right hemidiaphragm, a life-threatening condition, may in fact be merely Chilaiditis sign. Awareness of this phenomenon and its consideration as a differential diagnosis is essential to prevent unnecessary laparoscopic intervention (1-2).