The abdominal compartment syndrome: a complication with many faces

BACKGROUND: Lately renewed attention has been given to the abdominal compartment syndrome. Despite of this there still remain a lot of controversies with regard to the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this syndrome and the therapeutic options. METHODS: Two cases of patients with this syndrome are described and the data from animal and human trials concerning the abdominal compartment syndrome are presented and discussed. RESULTS: A variety of clinical disorders may lead to the abdominal compartment syndrome. It mainly affects the cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal organ systems. Although some clinical effects are clearly described, the exact mechanisms underlying these changes in humans are incompletely understood. It is still unclear why some patients develop abdominal compartment syndrome and others do not. The intra-abdominal pressure can easily be assessed by measuring the urine bladder pressure, which correlates well with the actual intra-abdominal pressure. All authors agree that a decompression of the abdomen by means of a laparotomy is the treatment of choice for the abdominal compartment syndrome. Which parameters should determine the indication however, remains controversial, since the correlation between clinical signs and pressure is not straightforward. CONCLUSIONS: The abdominal compartment syndrome is a well-recognised disease entity related to acutely increased abdominal pressure. Urgent laparotomy can be lifesaving in some cases. However no single threshold of abdominal pressure can be applied universally. Pending further clinical trials the best therapeutic option seems to be to decompress the abdomen surgically if the intravesical pressure is 25 mmHg or higher in patients with refractory hypotension, acute renal failure or respiratory failure due to abdominal distension.     

Messung des intraabdominellen Drucks

Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome worsen the prognosis of surgical and medical intensive care patients. Intra-abdominal hypertension is defined as an intra-abdominal pressure ≥ 12 mmHg; the diagnosis of abdominal compartment syndrome is based on a sustained elevation of intra-abdominal pressure > 20 mmHg and the onset of organ dysfunction/failure. An increase in intra-abdominal pressure can lead to cardiorespiratory and renal compromise, can reduce abdominal perfusion, and has consequences on distant organ systems. The gold standard for the measurement of intra-abdominal pressure is the determination of bladder pressure. Measurements should be performed in a supine position and after instillation of 25 ml of normal saline in the bladder. Numerous conservative therapies for the treatment of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome have been suggested. However, their efficacy still has to be shown. For refractory abdominal compartment syndrome, laparotomy with temporary closure of the abdominal wall should be performed.     

Abdominal compartment syndrome:Often overlooked conditions in medical intensive care units

Intra-abdominal hypertension(IAH)and abdominal compartment syndrome are well recognized entities among surgical patients.Nevertheless,a number of prospective and retrospective observational studies have shown that IAH is prevalent in about half of the critically ill patients in the medical intensive care units(ICU)and has been widely recognized as an independent risk factor for mortality.It is alarming to note that many members of the critical care team in medical ICU are not aware of the consequences of untreated IAH and the delay in making the diagnosis leads to increased morbidity and mortality.Frequently it is underdiagnosed and undertreated in this patient population.Elevated intraabdominal pressure decreases the blood flow to the kidneys and other abdominal viscera and also results in reduced cardiac output and difficulties in ventilating the patient because of increased intrathoracic pressure.When intraabdominal hypertension is not promptly recognized and treated,it leads to abdominal compartment syndrome,multiorgan dysfunction syndrome and death.Large volume fluid resuscitation is very common in medical ICU patients presenting with sepsis,shock and other inflammatory conditions like pancreatitis and it is one of the major risk factors for the development of intra-abdominal hypertension.This article presents an overview of the epidemiology,definitions,risk factors,pathophysiology and management of IAH and abdominal compartment syndrome in critically ill medical ICU patients.     

Síndrome compartimental abdominal: conceptos actuales y manejo

Abdominal compartment syndrome occurs when 2 or more anatomic compartments have a sustained intra-abdominal pressure > 20 mmHg, associated with organ failure. Incidence is 2% and prevalence varies from 0% to 36.4%.A literature search was conducted utilizing different databases. Articles published from 1970 to 2018 were included, in English or Spanish, to provide the concepts, classifications, and comprehensive management in the approach to abdominal compartment syndrome, for its treatment and the prevention of severe complications associated with the entity. Intravesical pressure measurement is the standard diagnostic method. Treatment is based on evacuation of the intraluminal content, identification and treatment of intra-abdominal lesions, improvement of abdominal wall compliance, and optimum administration of fluids and tissue perfusion. Laparotomy is generally followed by temporary abdominal wall closure 5 to 7 days after surgery. Reconstruction is performed 6 to 12 months after the last operation.Abdominal compartment syndrome should be diagnosed and operated on before organic damage from the illness occurs. Kidney injury can frequently progress and is a parameter for considering abdominal decompression. Having a biomarker for early damage would be ideal. Surgical treatment is successful in the majority of cases. A multidisciplinary focus is necessary for the intensive care and reconstructive needs of the patient. Thus, efforts must be made to define and implement strategies for patient quality of life optimization.     

Multisystem organ failure secondary to increased intraabdominal pressure

Summary Acutely increased intraabdominal pressure can lead to multisystem organ dysfunction. Organ dysfunction consists of acute pulmonary failure secondary to compressive atelectasis and associated with high peak inspiratory pressures and impaired gas exchange, acute renal failure with marked oliguria without hypernaturia, intestinal and hepatic ischemia possibly leading to bacterial translocation or necrosis with peritonitis, increased intracranial pressures which may cause brain dysfunction or aggravate head injury edema, venous thrombosis and thromboembolism, and abdominal wall ischemia or necrosis. The diagnosis is made clinically in a patient with high peak inspiratory pressures, oliguria and an apparently tight abdomen, although urinary bladder pressure ≥ 20 cm H₂O pressure is suggestive. However, chronically increased intraabdominal pressure as is seen in the morbidly pregnancy and cirrhosis may be misleading. As to treatment, once the diagnosis is made, the patient's abdomen should be opened and the tension relieved. The intestinal contents need to be protected and evaporative water loss minimized by either closing the skin and not the fascia or, if this is not possible, using an impermeable protective dressing. If the abdomen is difficult to close at the primary operation, it is best to prevent the development of an acute abdominal compartment syndrome by closing only the skin or leaving it open and using an impermeable dressing. In conclusion, the acute abdominal compartment syndrome has become increasingly recognized as a cause for multisystem organ failure. Recognition of the problem or prevention is mandatory for optimal patient survival.     

The abdominal compartment syndrome - widely unknown in gastroenterology

A sustained increase in intra-abdominal pressure may derange cardiovascular haemodynamics, respiratory and renal functions and finally lead to multi-organ failure. It is primarily seen in surgical intensive care units and is most frequently associated with small and large bowel surgery, vascular surgery, and abdominal trauma. An expert panel has defined elevated intra-abdominal pressure > 20 mmHg in conjunction with newly occurring organ dysfunction as "abdominal compartment syndrome" (ACS). This entity is not well recognised in gastroenterology, although ACS may occur as a complication of endoscopic perforation resulting in tension pneumoperitoneum. With the propagation of laparoscopic procedures it may be appropriate to emphasise the importance of intra-abdominal pressure monitoring in order to avoid this potentially lethal complication.     

Gastrointestinal disorders of the critically ill. Systemic consequences of ileus

Ileus refers to the partial or complete blockage of the small and/or large intestine either by functional (adynamic or paralytic ileus) or mechanical bowel obstruction. The diffuse gastrointestinal dysmotility during functional and mechanical ileus may result in intestinal dilatation, increased luminal pressure and gut wall ischaemia which may lead to increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Any type of ileus may promote abdominal fluid sequestration with severe systemic hypovolaemia, intestinal bacterial overgrowth with the evolution of bacterial translocation and systemic invasive infections and inflammation of the intestinal wall with concomitant release of cytokines and the development of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The most serious complications of ileus are mediated by an increase in IAP. Intra-abdominal hypertension has been found in up to 20% of critically ill patients and may lead to a broad pattern of systemic consequences with multiple organ dysfunction, including cardiovascular, hepatic, pulmonary, renal and neurological function. The abdominal compartment syndrome is an emergency condition which is defined as elevation of IAP above 20 to 25 mmHg and the presence of systemic consequences. Therapeutic considerations include the maintenance of adequate hydration status, avoidance of drugs known to impair intestinal perfusion, stimulation of gastric and intestinal motility and various nutritional aspects. Colonic tube placement after decompressive colonoscopy may be effective in reducing intestinal dilatation. In the abdominal compartment syndrome the 'open abdominal approach' with decompressive laparotomy by opening the peritoneal cavity and temporary abdominal closure is the therapy of choice.     

Intra-abdominal pressure and intensive care: current concepts and future implications

Summary IAP measurement is essential in the optimum care of surgical patients in ICU. Realistic detection of intra-abdominal hypertension and the abdominal compartment syndrome is not possible without the accurate measurement of intra-abdominal pressure. Received: 23. November 1998/Accepted: 16. November 1999     

Giant nonpancreatic pseudocyst causing acute anuria.

Giant intraabdominal cysts masquerading as ascites are not uncommon. We present a unique case of a giant intraabdominal pseudocyst that resulted in acute abdominal compartment syndrome, leading to anuria and acute renal failure. A 52-year-old woman with known severe cardiac dysfunction presented with generalized edema, marked abdominal distension, and decreased urine output. She was initially presumed to have congestive heart failure with refractory ascites. She became completely anuric. A diagnosis of intraabdominal compartment syndrome from a giant cyst was ultimately made after careful review of her abdominal imaging. Urgent drainage and subsequent marsupialization of the giant pseudocyst resulted in immediate diuresis and a subsequent return to her baseline renal function. As this case illustrates, differentiation of pseudoascites from true ascites may be difficult in a clinical setting or using laboratory studies. A clear differentiation can usually be made using imaging studies, mainly magnetic resonance imaging, computerized axial tomography, or ultrasound. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a nonrenal pseudocyst or cyst leading to acute renal failure from extrinsic compression. Abdominal compartment syndrome needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with acute renal failure and presumed large-volume ascites.     

Late abdominal compartment syndrome secondary to traumatic gallbladder rupture

A case of abdominal compartment syndrome following hepatic rupture with gallbladder tear is reported. We discuss the physiology, diagnosis criteria and treatment of this potentially life-threatening complication.     

Morbid Obesity Causes Chronic Increase of Intraabdominal Pressure

Intraabdominal hypertension and the abdominal compartment syndrome are known to deleteriously affect a wide array of organ systems. We retrospectively reviewed 62 women who underwent either laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery or adjustable gastric banding. Their age, body mass index (BMI), and race were known. Their opening abdominal pressure was recorded by connecting a Verress needle to a pressure monitor. Linear regression was used to assess the contribution of age, race, and BMI to the observed variation in opening abdominal pressure. Neither variation in age or race explained the variation in opening pressure (P > .05). By contrast, variation in BMI explained 8% of the observed variation in opening pressure (P < .05). For every 1 kg/mm² increase in BMI, there was on average a 0.07 mm Hg increase in opening pressure. Increases in BMI are associated with increases in intraabdominal pressure.     

Measuring intra-abdominal pressure in the intensive care setting

Increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) may occur in critically ill patients. The easiest method to estimate IAP at the bedside is the bladder pressure measurement. A standard procedure (same volume infused, pressure transducers, and patient‘s position) should be used to obtain comparable and reproducible data among different patients and during different stages and time of the disease. The increase in IAP leads to two major pathological conditions: 1) the intraabdominal hypertension (IAP above 16 cmH₂O) and 2) the abdominal compartment syndrome (IAP above 30 cmH₂O). Increased IAP negatively affects pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal and central nervous system function. Most of critically ill patients have an intraabdominal hypertension, while few of them (less than 5%) present clinical characteristics of abdominal compartment syndrome. IAP is different among different categories of patients. The highest mean values during intensive care unit stay have been reported in respiratory and cardiologic patients among medical categories and in neurologic patients among surgical patients. IAP seems to be correlated with severity scores but its relation to mortality is uncertain. Routine measurements of IAP by means of bladder pressure are not associated with an increased rate of urinary tract infections. Future trials are warranted to better evaluate the role of routine IAP measurements on clinical management of critically ill patients.     

Measuring intra-abdominal pressure in the intensive care setting

Summary Increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) may occur in critically ill patients. The easiest method to estimate IAP at the bedside is the bladder pressure measurement. A standard procedure (same volume infused, pressure transducers, and patient‘s position) should be used to obtain comparable and reproducible data among different patients and during different stages and time of the disease. The increase in IAP leads to two major pathological conditions: 1) the intraabdominal hypertension (IAP above 16 cmH₂O) and 2) the abdominal compartment syndrome (IAP above 30 cmH₂O). Increased IAP negatively affects pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal and central nervous system function. Most of critically ill patients have an intraabdominal hypertension, while few of them (less than 5%) present clinical characteristics of abdominal compartment syndrome. IAP is different among different categories of patients. The highest mean values during intensive care unit stay have been reported in respiratory and cardiologic patients among medical categories and in neurologic patients among surgical patients. IAP seems to be correlated with severity scores but its relation to mortality is uncertain. Routine measurements of IAP by means of bladder pressure are not associated with an increased rate of urinary tract infections. Future trials are warranted to better evaluate the role of routine IAP measurements on clinical management of critically ill patients. Received: 21 December 2001 Accepted: 28 January 2002     

Current concepts of the role of abdominal compartment syndrome in acute pancreatitis – An opportunity or merely an epiphenomenon

The association of acute pancreatitis (AP) with intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) has only recently been recognized. The detrimental effects of raised intra-abdominal pressure in cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal systems have been well established. Although IAH was associated with a higher APACHE II score and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in severe acute pancreatitis, a causal relationship between ACS and MODS in SAP is yet to be established. It is therefore debatable whether IAH is a phenomenon causative of organ failure or an epiphenomenon seen in conjunction with other organ dysfunction. This review systemically examines the pathophysiological basis and clinical relevance of ACS in AP and summarizes all the available evidence in its management.     

Bilateral compartment syndrome as a result of inferior vena cava filter thrombosis

A 54-year-old man with an inferior vena cava filter in situ presented to the emergency department (ED) by emergency medical services, with acute onset of severe abdominal, lower back, and leg pain. He had fallen from a ladder 3 days before admission. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a large retroperitoneal hematoma and evidence of occlusive thrombus in the inferior vena cava, extending beyond the inferior vena cava filter. The occluded inferior vena cava filter caused increased venous pressures and compartment syndrome in the lower extremities. Measurement of compartment pressures in the ED revealed increased pressures exceeding 60 mm Hg in both calves and 75 mm Hg in the thighs. The patient underwent bilateral fasciotomies of the lower extremities within 3 hours. Postoperatively, he developed extensive tissue necrosis and gangrene, requiring bilateral above-the-knee amputations, and acute renal failure associated with severe rhabdomyolysis, requiring hemodialysis. This case highlights the importance of prompt recognition and treatment of inferior vena cava filter thrombosis.     

重视腰椎外伤手术患者的胃肠道症状

腰椎外伤和腰椎手术患者由于腹膜后血肿和手术刺激腹腔神经丛导致不同程度的胃肠功能障碍.严重者出现肠麻痹和腹膜炎,患者出现严重腹胀、腹痛、不能进食.在此基础上术后应用抗生素时易出现抗生素相关性腹泻,严重者出现重度伪膜性肠炎.由于骨科医师对伪膜性肠炎不认识,消化科医师又对伪膜性肠炎可出现腹腔内高压甚至腹腔间隔室综合征不认识或重视观察处理不够,错过了在腹腔内高压时段抢救的最佳时机,导致患者死亡,因此对腰椎外伤和腰椎手术患者要高度重视早期胃肠道症状,及时发现抗生素相关性腹泻,尤其重度伪膜性肠炎的出现.重视腹腔内高压的有效处理,防止腹腔间隔室综合征的出现,降低死亡率.     

Compartment syndrome and intraaortic balloon

Intraaortic balloon (IAB) is a well accepted and useful therapeutic option; the complications reported with it's use are varied. We have observed 4 patients over a period of 6 years, who developed swollen tender calves and loss of sensation and/or function, yet who retained a warm limb with palpable peripheral pulses during or immediately after IAB pumping. At fasciotomy, they had bulging ischemic muscles. We hypothesize that this is compartment syndrome following temporary or partial ischemia due to balloon placement. We have prospectively studied 13 patients by measuring the pressure in the anterior compartment of the lower limb using the slit catheter technique. In 11 of these patients with no evidence of complications, pressure measurements remained below 7 mmHg. In one patient showing signs consistent with compartment syndrome, pressures up to 35 mmHg were recorded and at fasciotomy, the diagnosis was confirmed. A second patient with signs suggestive of compartment syndrome, had pressures below 15 mmHg. This patient was treated conservatively with resolution of the condition. Compartment syndrome after IAB placement has only been rarely described. We believe this is due to inadequate diagnosis and that slit catheter pressure measurements are a valuable tool in its management. We encountered no complications associated with the technique.     

Case report: compartment syndrome after a suspected black widow spider bite

Widow spider envenomations generally produce systemic neurologic syndromes without significant local injury. We report a patient who sustained a black widow spider bite to the left forearm and presented to the emergency department with rhabdomyolysis and compartment syndrome. We documented a decrease in symptoms and compartment pressure after administration of antivenom. No surgical intervention was performed. We believe this report to be the first documenting compartment syndrome associated with black widow spider bite.     

Indwelling catheter and conservative measures in the treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome in fulminant acute pancreatitis

AIM: To study the effect of combined indwelling catheter, hemofiltration, respiration support and traditional Chinese medicine (e.g. Dahuang) in treating abdominal compartment syndrome of fulminant acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Patients with fulminant acute pancreatitis were divided randomly into 2 groups of combined indwelling catheter celiac drainage and intra-abdominal pressure monitoring and routine conservative measures group (group 1) and control group (group 2). Routine non-operative conservative treatments including hemofiltration, respiration support, gastrointestinal TCM ablution were also applied in control group patients. Effectiveness of the two groups was observed, and APACHE II scores were applied for analysis. RESULTS: On the second and fifth days after treatment, APACHE II scores of group 1 and 2 patients were significantly different. Comparison of effectiveness (abdomi-nalgia and burbulence relief time, hospitalization time) between groups 1 and 2 showed significant difference, as well as incidence rates of cysts formation. Mortality rates of groups 1 and 2 were 10.0% and 20.7%, respectively. For patients in group 1, celiac drainage quantity and intra-abdominal pressure, and hospitalization time were positively correlated (r = 0.552, 0.748, 0.923, P < 0.01) with APACHE II scores. CONCLUSION: Combined indwelling catheter celiac drainage and intra-abdominal pressure monitoring, short veno-venous hemofiltration (SVVH), gastrointestinal TCM ablution, respiration support have preventive and treatment effects on abdominal compartment syndrome of fulminant acute pancreatitis.     

Leg muscle bed syndrome: medical aspects of chronic forms]

Ninety two patients with lower leg pain of unknown cause underwent intramuscular pressure measurements by the needle technique described by Whitesides. Fifty four patients (59%) were found to have a chronic compartment syndrome. In these patients the intramuscular pressure was significantly increased at rest and after exercise as compared with normal subjects (13) and patients without the syndrome (38). Increased pressure at rest after exercise and a prolonged time for normalisation are the most commonly parameters in diagnosing chronic compartment syndrome. Tissue pressure measurement remains the basis of diagnosis for patients suffering from chronic compartment syndrome, indeed the clinical findings alone were found to be insufficient. Effective treatment consists of reduction of exertional activities or decompression by fasciotomy. The clinical results after fasciotomy were good and consistent with the findings of others.