waltman walter syndrome waltman walter syndrome waltman walter syndrome is characterized by accumulation of bile in the right subphrenic or subhepatic space, even when provision for drainage appears to have been adequate after a cholecystectomy. it is named for dr. waltman walters, an abdominal surgeon at the mayo clinic in rochester, mn. waltman walter syndrome symptoms and signs upper abdominal or chest pain associated with tachycardia and persistently low blood pressure due to compression on ivc are cardinal signs and are mistaken for coronary thrombosis. diagnosis ultrasonography will show collection in subphrenic or subhepatic space. treatment abdominal reexploration and drainage of bile is curative.