National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Chilaiditi syndrome


Chilaiditi syndrome is a medical condition in which a portion of the colon is abnormally positioned between the liver and the diaphragm. Symptoms vary, but may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and small bowel obstruction. In many cases, there are no symptoms and the interposition is an incidental finding. When no symptoms are present, the clinical finding is called Chilaiditi's sign.[1][2]. The underlying cause of Chilaiditi syndrome is unknown. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.[1] 
Last updated: 2/1/2016
The symptoms of Chilaiditi syndrome vary. Chronic recurrent abdominal pain is a common finding. Other symptoms might include nausea, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, difficulty swallowing, and abdominal tenderness, especially in the upper, central area. In some cases, breathing problems may develop.[1][2]
Last updated: 2/1/2016
The exact cause of Chilaiditi syndrome is unknown. The condition appears to occur with higher frequency among individuals with chronic lung disease, scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), and in those with an accumulation of ascites in the abdomen. Other risk factors may include reduced liver volume, paralysis of the motor nerve to the diaphragm (phrenic nerve palsy), and obesity.[1] In some cases, the condition is present from birth (congenital).[2] 
Last updated: 2/1/2016
Treatment of Chilaiditi syndrome is directed at the individual symptoms present. In some cases, treatment is not needed. Reducing (or removing) the pressure within the abdomen may help alleviate symptoms.[1] This may be achieved through conservative measure that address constipation, pain, and distention.[2] Surgical intervention may include removal of a portion of the colon or the anchoring of the misplaced part of the colon to the abdominal wall.[1]
Last updated: 2/1/2016

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Chilaiditi syndrome. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Selected Full-Text Journal Articles

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  1. Boros MJ. Chilaiditi’s Syndrome. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). 2013; http://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/chilaiditis-syndrome/.
  2. Jangouk P, Zaidi F, Hashash JG. Chilaiditi's Sign: A Rare Cause of Abdominal Pain. ACG Case Rep J. 2014; 1(2):70-71. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4435277/.