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.
(JAMA 240:747-750, 1978)