Symptom-producing interposition of the colon. Clinical syndrome in mentally deficient adults

Abstract

Interposition of the colon between the liver and diaphragm, ie. Chilaiditi's syndrome, visible during roentgenographic examination, has been described as an asymptomatic finding in adults of no clinical importance: it is occasionally symptom-producing in children. In mentally retarded adults, however, a unique syndrome commonly occurs, characterized by nausea, pain, vomiting, anorexia, distension, audible bowel sounds, and constipation: all are associated with three roentgenographic features of interposition. The symptoms respond to simple treatment and can be prevented by routine prophylactic measures.