Abdominal compartment syndrome in acute pancreatitis

Q: Patients with severe pancreatitis are at increased risk for abdominal compartment syndrome due to? 

A) aggressive fluid resuscitation 
B) peripancreatic inflammation
C) ascites 
D) ileus
E) all of the above


Answer: E 

The objective of the above question is to highlight a much-ignored consequence of acute pancreatitis. Abdominal compartment syndrome can be devastating and instantly life-threatening if not addressed. A very low threshold should be kept to monitor bladder pressure with any indication of the clinical sign.

#gastroenterology
#surgicalcriticalcare

Reference:

Radenkovic DV, Bajec D, Ivancevic N, et al. Decompressive laparotomy with temporary abdominal closure versus percutaneous puncture with placement of abdominal catheter in patients with abdominal compartment syndrome during acute pancreatitis: background and design of multicenter, randomised, controlled study. BMC Surg 2010; 10:22.