Splenic flexure volvulus in association with Chilaiditi syndrome: Report of a case

Hepatodiaphragmatic interposition of the intestine, or Chilaiditi syndrome, is uncommon and typically asymptomatic, but it can be associated with symp toms ranging from intermittent, mild abdominal pain to acute intestinal obs truction. Factors such as the interruption or absence of peritoneal attachm ents and redundant colon with a long mesentery predispose to both Chilaidit i syndrome and colonic volvulus. The presence of hepatodiaphragmatic interp osition of the intestine requires no specific treatment in the absence of s ymptoms. Colonic volvulus in association with Chilaiditi syndrome is treate d based on the location of the volvulus. Volvulus of the splenic flexure is typically treated with resection and primary anastomosis. We report only t he third case of colonic volvulus in association with Chilaiditi syndrome a nd the first with volvulus of the splenic flexure.