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Published on: March 6, 2019
Chilaiditi syndrome as a cause of respiratory distress
Sevgi Keles1, Hasibe Artac, Ismail Reisli
1Department of Pediatrics, Selcuk University Meram Medical Faculty, Konya, Turkey. drsevgikeles@yahoo.com
Insights
Chilaiditi syndrome, a rare condition where the colon is between the diaphragm and liver, can cause respiratory distress in infants. Early diagnosis and conservative treatment are key for managing this congenital anomaly.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Congenital Anomalies
- Radiology
Background:
- Chilaiditi syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the interposition of the colon between the diaphragm and the liver.
- While often asymptomatic, it can present with gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms.
Observation:
- A 5-month-old infant boy presented with persistent cough, cyanosis, and recurrent respiratory distress over two months.
- Radiological imaging, including chest X-ray and CT scan, revealed a dilated colonic loop causing hepatodiaphragmatic interposition, consistent with Chilaiditi syndrome.
Findings:
- The infant's respiratory distress was attributed to the anatomical abnormality of Chilaiditi syndrome.
- Conservative management, including oxygen, fluid supplementation, and stool softeners, was initiated.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering Chilaiditi syndrome in pediatric patients with unexplained recurrent respiratory distress.
- Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial for improving outcomes in affected infants.
Abstract:
Chilaiditi syndrome is the interposition of the colon between the diaphragma and the liver. In general, patients are asymptomatic, but some patients have been associated with gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms. A 5-month-old infant boy was admitted to the hospital with a history of cough, cyanosis and recurrent respiratory distress that had persisted during the preceding 2 months. The chest X-ray revealed an elevation of the right hemidiaphragma caused by the presence of a dilated colonic loop below. Computed tomography showed a hepatodiaphragmatic interposition of the colon, leading to the diagnosis of Chilaiditi syndrome. The patient was conservatively treated with oxygen, fluid supplementation and stool softeners. We conclude that this rare syndrome should be kept in mind when young patients present with recurrent respiratory distress.
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