Pancreatic injury associated with interposed abdominal compressions in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

A case in which conventional CPR was augmented with interposed abdominal compressions on a child is reported. Animal studies and electrical models of this new form of CPR have demonstrated improved hemodynamics without instance of intra-abdominal injury. In this case, intraperitoneal visceral injury was noticed in the form of blood within the stomach and small intestine and parenchymal hemorrhage within the pancreas. Similar pancreatic injury has not been reported with conventional pediatric CPR, and caution may have to be exercised if this form of CPR with interposed abdominal compressions is to be used on children.