Abdominal compartment syndrome and intra-abdominal hypertension in critically ill patients: diagnostic value of computed tomography

AimsThe aims of the present work were to reevaluate, prospectively, the diagnostic value of already-described computed tomography (CT) landmarks of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and to study the diagnostic value of some undescribed CT signs for the diagnosis of IAH and ACS.Materials and methodsConsecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in shock for whom an abdominal CT was clinically indicated were included. CT examinations were reviewed and scored by two reviewers for the 12 proposed CT features of IAH and ACS. Intravesical pressure (IVP) was measured for each patient. Imaging features and clinical data of patients with IAH (IVP12mmHg) were compared to those of patients with normal intra-abdominal pressure (IVP<12mmHg).ResultsForty-one patients were included. Twenty-one patients (51%) presented IAH with an IVP value 12mmHg. Four patients (10%) were considered to have ACS (10%). Only an increased peritoneal-to-abdominal height ratio (PAR) was associated with the presence of IAH (PAR=0.45 [0.40-0.49] in patients with IVP <12mmHg and PAR=0.52 [0.48-0.53] in patients with IVP 12mmHg; p<0.001). Increased PAR 0.52 had a specificity of 85% for IAH diagnosis.ConclusionThe present study suggests that a PAR 0.52 could help radiologists to identify IAH on abdominal CT scan and could lead to adequate identification and/or treatment, even at early stages of IAH.Key Points center dot CT is an efficient first-intention procedure to evaluate and follow up underlying conditions in critically ill patients at risk of IAH and ACS overcome.center dot Raising the possibility of an IAH on a CT examination is relevant information for the clinician.center dot The only factors associated with intra-abdominal hypertension were the peritoneal-to-abdominal height ratio (PAR) and the ratio of maximal anteroposterior to transverse abdominal diameter (which define the round belly sign when >0.8).