Atraumatic Polycompartment Syndrome Secondary to Cardiogenic Shock: A Case Report

We report the case of a 53-year-old male who developed polycompartment syndrome (PCS) secondary to cardiogenic shock. After suffering a cardiac arrest, a self-perpetuating cycle of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and vital organ damage led to abdominal compartment syndrome (AbCS), which then contributed to the precipitation of extremity compartment syndrome (CS) in bilateral thighs, legs, forearms, and hands. This report is followed by a review of the literature regarding the pathophysiology of this rare sequela of cardiogenic shock. While the progression from cardiogenic shock to AbCS and ultimately to PCS has been hypothesized, no prior case reports demonstrate this. Furthermore, this case suggests more generally that IAH may be a risk factor for extremity CS. Future studies should examine the potential interplay between IAH and extremity CS in patients at risk, such as polytrauma patients with tibial fractures.