Abdominal compartment syndrome.

Abdominal compartment syndrome may be defined as the deleterious pathophysiologic consequences of a significant increase in intra-abdominal pressure. These alterations can affect respiratory mechanics, cardiovascular system, regional blood flow, renal function, urine output, and intracranial pressure. Although the syndrome may be associated with many clinical situations, the most common are severe abdominal trauma and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Diagnosis depends upon recognition of the clinical syndrome followed by an objective measurement of intra-abdominal pressure, the most common being the measurement of bladder pressure. Treatment consists of adequate fluid resuscitation and surgical decompression when necessary.