The Chilaiditi syndrome and associated volvulus of the transverse colon. An indication for surgical therapy.

Hepatodiaphragmatic interposition of the colon is a rare anomaly described by Chilaiditi in 1910. Usually this syndrome presents as an asymptomatic roentgen finding, although occasionally it is associated with a broad range of gastrointestinal symptoms. The hallmark of therapy is conservative, and rarely has surgical intervention been indicated. This is the only case report of the Chilaiditi syndrome associated with colonic volvulus. It also illustrates the rare progression of colonic interposition from mild abdominal discomfort to intermittent bowel obstruction requiring surgical intervention.