Evaluation and Management of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in the Emergency Department

Abdominal compartment syndrome is a potentially deadly condition that can be missed in the emergency department setting.

The purpose of this narrative review article is to provide a summary of the background, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of abdominal compartment syndrome with a focus on emergency clinicians.

Abdominal compartment syndrome is caused by excessive pressure within the abdominal compartment due to diminished abdominal wall compliance, increased intraluminal contents, increased abdominal contents, or capillary leak/fluid resuscitation. History and physical examination are insufficient in isolation, and the gold standard is intra-abdominal pressure measurement. Abdominal compartment syndrome is defined as an intra-abdominal pressure >20 mm Hg with evidence of end-organ injury. Management involves increasing abdominal wall compliance (e.g., analgesia, sedation, and neuromuscular blocking agents), evacuating gastrointestinal contents (e.g., nasogastric tubes, rectal tubes, and prokinetic agents), avoiding excessive fluid resuscitation, draining intraperitoneal contents (e.g., percutaneous drain), and decompressive laparotomy in select cases. Patients are critically ill and often require admission to a critical care unit.

Abdominal compartment syndrome is an increasingly recognized condition with the potential for significant morbidity and mortality. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis, management, and disposition of these patients.