The abdominal compartment syndrome as a consequence of penetrating heart injury

Area of Science:

• Critical care medicine
• Trauma surgery
• Abdominal hypertension

Background:

• Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a severe condition characterized by elevated intra-abdominal pressure.
• ACS commonly occurs secondary to abdominal trauma, surgery, or intra-abdominal sepsis.
• It significantly impacts multiple organ systems, leading to potential organ dysfunction and failure.

Observation:

• This report details a rare case of ACS.
• The syndrome developed following a penetrating injury to the chest and heart.
• This presentation is unusual as ACS is typically linked to abdominal insults.

Findings:

• The patient developed signs and symptoms consistent with abdominal compartment syndrome.
• Intra-abdominal pressure monitoring confirmed elevated levels.
• The inciting event was a non-abdominal penetrating trauma.

Implications:

• This case expands the known etiologies of abdominal compartment syndrome.
• Clinicians should consider ACS in patients with thoracic trauma and unexplained abdominal findings.
• Further research may be warranted to understand the pathophysiology linking chest trauma to ACS.