Chilaiditi syndrome precipitated by colonoscopy: a case report and review of the literature.

Abstract

Chilaiditi syndrome is a rare condition defined by the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms associated with the radiological finding of segmental interposition of the bowel between the liver and the diaphragm. While it is infrequently indentified as a source of abdominal pain, Chilaiditi syndrome carries clinical significance as it can lead to a number of serious complications including intestinal obstruction, perforation, and ischemia. A 58-year-old woman presented with Chilaiditi syndrome immediately following colonoscopic evaluation. Conservative measures failed to alleviate the patient's symptoms, and the patient ultimately elected to have operative management. Pexy of the cecum and ascending colon led to full resolution of her symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of Chilaiditi syndrome iatrogenically induced by colonoscopy. Identification of this syndrome as a complication of colonoscopy and a source of post-procedural pain bears significance for providers involved in the peri-operative care of patients with factors predisposing them to the development of this condition.