Factores de riesgo para amputación en pacientes manejados con fasciotomía de miembro inferior en un centro de alta complejidad / Risk factors for amputation in patients managed with lower limb fasciotomy in a high complexity center

Resumen Introducción: El síndrome compartimental del miembro inferior tiene el potencial de causar morbilidad devastadora en los pacientes y altos riesgos médico-legales para los médicos involucrados en su tratamiento. Una vez instaurado, la fasciotomía se constituye como el único tratamiento efectivo. La pérdida de la extremidad afectada es su complicación con mayor carga de enfermedad. Existen pocas descripciones sobre factores de riesgo para la necesidad de amputación de miembro inferior luego de haber sido sometido a fasciotomía en pacientes con lesiones traumáticas. Materiales y Método: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, observacional, analítico en el cual se recolectó información de pacientes con traumatismo de miembro inferior que requirieron fasciotomía de muslo o pierna durante un periodo de 10 años en busca de factores que pudieron influir en la pérdida de la extremidad. Resultados: 21 pacientes cumplían los criterios de inclusión de los cuales 6 (28,57%) fueron amputados y 2 fallecieron (9,52%). La mayoría de los individuos fueron menores de 30 años y casi la totalidad del sexo masculino. Encontramos que el porcentaje de amputación parece verse afectado de manera estadísticamente significativa por factores como un International Severity Score (ISS) elevado (media de 24), las parestesias al ingreso, la realización de fasciotomía tardía (> 6 h), la reactividad muscular al momento de la cirugía, la infección del sitio operatorio y la reintervención por trombosis del injerto vascular. Conclusiones: Existen factores de riesgo que pueden indicar la pérdida de la extremidad inferior luego de ser sometido a fasciotomía en el contexto de trauma. Un seguimiento prospectivo y un mayor número de pacientes podrían permitir dilucidar más de dichos factores.

Introduction: The lower limb compartment syndrome has the potential to cause devastating morbidity in patients and high legal medical risks for doctors involved in its treatment. Once established, fasciotomy is the only effective treatment. The loss of the affected limb is the complication with a greater burden of disease. There are few descriptions of risk factors for the need for lower limb amputation after having undergone fasciotomy in patients with traumatic injuries. Materials and Method: A retrospective, observational, analytical study was conducted in which information was collected from patients with lower limb trauma that required thigh or leg fasciotomy for a period of 10 years in search of factors that could influence limb loss. Results: 21 patients met the inclusion criteria of which 6 (28.57%) were amputated and 2 died (9.52%). The majority of the individuals were under 30 years old and almost all of the male sex. We found that the percentage of amputation seems to be affected statistically significantly by factors such as a high ISS (mean of 24), paresthesia at admission, performing late fasciotomy (> 6 h), muscle reactivity at the time of surgery, postoperative SSI and reintervention by vascular graft thrombosis. Conclusions: We found risk factors that may indicate the loss of the lower limb after being subjected to fasciotomy in the context of trauma. A prospective follow-up and a greater number of patients could make it possible to elucidate more of these factors.

Compartment syndrome after distal biceps brachii tendon rupture in an athlete / Síndrome compartimental em paciente atleta após ruptura do tendão distal do músculo bíceps do braço

ABSTRACT This is a case report of a previously healthy athlete who did not use oral anticoagulant, suffered a rupture of the distal biceps brachii tendon, and evolved with arm compartment syndrome. An emergency fasciotomy and the repair of the tendon were performed. After surgery the patient had a good recovery of the paresthesia and sensibility. This complication is rare and, when reported, is usually associated with patients who use anticoagulant therapy. Due to growth of rupture of distal biceps tendon cases, physicians should be aware that this complication must be treated as an emergency.

RESUMO Relato de caso de paciente atleta, previamente hígido e que não utilizava anticoagulantes orais, com lesão do tendão distal do músculo bíceps braquial, que evoluiu com síndrome compartimental do braço. Realizaram-se fasciotomia de emergência e reparo cirúrgico do tendão, apresentando bom seguimento com recuperação da parestesia e sensibilidade. Essa complicação é bastante rara e, quando relatada, geralmente é associada a pacientes em uso de medicamentos anticoagulantes orais. Contudo, com o aumento da incidência de rupturas do tendão do músculo bíceps braquial, é preciso estar atento à tal complicação que deve ser conduzida como emergência.

Pressure bandage over venous conduit harvesting site causing compartment syndrome in a patient with intra-aortic balloon pump: An unusual cause.

Intra Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) is conventionally used to support coronary perfusion and weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. IABP in situ has its own share of complications. We present a case where a patient on IABP support who had reduced peripheral pulsations of the ipsilateral limb and was initially misdiagnosed as IABP catheter associated thromboembolism. A negative embolectomy ruled out the same. Further looking for the cause of reduction of ipsilateral pulses it was found that the tight compressive bandage at saphenous vein conduit harvesting site had led to development of compartment syndrome (CS).

Tenosinovitis química de dedo medio por corticoides intraarticulares con evolución a síndrome compartimental en paciente con lupus eritematoso sistémico / Chemical tenosynovitis in middle finger after intra-articular corticosteroids infiltration evolving to compartment syndrome in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Tenosynovitis is the inflammation of the tendon and synovial sheath. It is commonly affects hands and wrist. The etiology may be infectious or inflammatory. In patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) the periarticular and tendinous commitment is frequent. Intra-articular corticosteroids (CO) are effective as adjuvant of the systemic therapy. Complications of use are infrequent. The case of a female patient is presented, 32 years old, with SLE and chronic renal failure secondary to lupus nephritis, chronic user of oral CO. She is infiltrates with intra-articular deposit betamethasone in metacarpal-phalangeal (MCP), because of articular edema. Twelve days later evolves with Compartment Syndrome (SC). Fasciotomy show findings compatible with chemical synovitis by betamethasone crystals. Currently there are quite few reports in the literature of CS with presentation in fingers. The diagnosis is mainly clinical. The common use of intra-articular CO is not without risk and should be planned and diagnosed early...

Tenosinovitis es la inflamación del tendón y vaina sinovial. Es más frecuente en manos y muñecas. Su etiología es infecciosa o inflamatoria. En pacientes con Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico (LES) el compromiso periarticular y tendíneo es frecuente. Los corticoides (CO) intraarticulares son efectivos como adyuvante de terapia sistémica. Las complicaciones de su uso son infrecuentes. Se presenta el caso de paciente sexo femenino, 32 años, con LES e insuficiencia renal crónica secundaria a nefropatía lúpica, usuaria de CO orales. Por edema articular se le infiltra betametasona de depósito intraarticular en metacarpo-falángica (MCF). Evoluciona doce días después con Síndrome Compartimental (SC). Durante la fasciotomía se evidencian hallazgos compatibles con sinovitis química por cristales de betametasona. Existe escaso reporte en la literatura de SC en dedos de la mano. El diagnóstico es principalmente clínico. El uso común de CO intraarticulares no está exento de riesgos y deben ser previstos y diagnosticados precozmente...

Injúria Renal Aguda no paciente politraumatizado / Acute Renal Injury in polytrauma patients

A Injúria Renal Aguda (IRA) no contexto do paciente politraumatizado ocorre, na maioria das vezes, por uma conjuntura de fatores que passam por eventos correlacionados à ressuscitação volêmica inicial, ao grau de resposta inflamatória sistêmica associada ao trauma, ao uso de contraste iodado para procedimentos diagnósticos, à rabdomiólise e à síndrome compartimental abdominal. Atualmente, passamos por uma fase de uniformização dos critérios diagnósticos da IRA com o Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN), sendo a referência mais aceita. Consequentemente, o estudo da IRA no politraumatismo também passa por uma fase de reformulação. Esta revisão da literatura médica visa trazer dados epidemiológicos, fisiológicos e de implicação clínica para o manuseio destes pacientes, bem como expor os riscos do uso indiscriminado de expansores volêmicos e particularidades sobre a instituição de terapia renal substitutiva em indivíduos sob risco de hipertensão intracraniana.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in trauma is, in most cases, multifactorial. Factors related to the initial ressuscitation protocol, degree of the systemic inflamatory response to trauma, contrast nephropathy in diagnostic procedures, rhabdomyolysis and abdominal compartment syndrome are some of those factors. Nowadays a uniformization in diagnostic criteria for AKI has been proposed by the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) and as a result the incidence of AKI and its impact in outcomes in trauma patients also needs to be reconsider. In this review we aim to approach epidemiologic, physiologic and clinical relevant data in the critical care of patients victims of trauma and also to expose the risks of indiscriminate use of volume expanders and the interaction between renal replacement theraphy and intracranial hypertension.

Hipertensión intra-abdominal: visión del gastroenterólogo / Intra-abdominal hypertension: perspective of the gastroenterologyst

Elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) has deleterious effects in distant organ function. Sustained increase of IAP is known as intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. The aim of this article is to review basic pathophysiologic and clinical concepts about diagnosis and medical-surgical management of IAH and its most severe expression: the abdominal compartment syndrome, with emphasis on certain conditions as severe acute pancreatitis and end stage liver disease as these commonly associate with IAH.

El aumento de la presión intra-abdominal (PIA) se asocia a una serie de efectos deletéreos en la función de otros sistemas. El aumento sostenido de la PIA se denomina hipertensión intra-abdominal (HTIA) y es una entidad que aumenta la morbi-mortalidad en pacientes graves. La siguiente revisión expone los conceptos fisiopatológicos y clínicos básicos respecto al diagnóstico y manejo médico y quirúrgico de laHTIA y su grado máximo de expresión: el síndrome compartamental del abdomen, con énfasis en ciertas condiciones gastroenterológicas que se acompañan con frecuencia de HTIA como la pancreatitis aguda grave y el daño hepático crónico descompensado.

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome Due to Spontaneous Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage in a Patient Undergoing Anticoagulation

Spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage is one of the most serious and often lethal complications of anticoagulation therapy. The clinical symptoms vary from femoral neuropathy to abdominal compartment syndrome or fatal hypovolemic shock. Of these symptoms, abdominal compartment syndrome is the most serious of all, because it leads to anuria, worsening of renal failure, a decrease in cardiac output, respiratory failure, and intestinal ischemia. We report a case of a spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage in a 48-year-old female who had been receiving warfarin and aspirin for her artificial aortic valve. She presented with a sudden onset of lower abdominal pain, dizziness and a palpable abdominal mass after prolonged straining to defecate. Computed tomography demonstrated a huge retroperitoneal hematoma and active bleeding from the right internal iliac artery. After achieving successful bleeding control with transcatheter arterial embolization, surgical decompression of the hematoma was performed for management of the femoral neuropathy and the abdominal compartment syndrome. She recovered without any complications. We suggest that initial hemostasis by transcatheter arterial embolization followed by surgical decompression of hematoma is a safe, effective treatment method for a spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage complicated with intractable pain, femoral neuropathy, or abdominal compartment syndrome.

Compartment syndrome as a complication of the lithotomy position / El síndrome de compartimiento como complicación de la posición de litotomía

Compartment syndrome is a rare but serious complication of surgical procedures performed in the lithotomy position. Preventive measures include careful placement of the patient's legs and limited elevation. Early diagnosis is based on vigilance and close postoperative follow-up, especially after prolonged surgery. Finally, postoperative analgesia does not delay the diagnosis, if the patient's needs are assessed carefully.

El síndrome de compartimiento es una complicación rara pero seria de los procedimientos quirúrgicos realizados en posición de litotomía. Las medidas preventivas incluyen colocación cuidadosa de las piernas de la paciente y elevación limitada. El diagnóstico temprano se basa en la vigilancia y el seguimiento cercano post-operatorio, especialmente luego de una cirugía prolongada. Finalmente, la analgesia post-operatoria no demora el diagnóstico, si las necesidades de la paciente son evaluadas con cuidado.

Síndrome de compartimento abdominal durante pinçamento por via endoscópica de perfuração intestinal secundária à colonoscopia / Síndrome de compartimiento abdominal durante pinzamiento por vía endoscópica de perforación intestinal secundaria a la colonoscopia / Abdominal compartment syndrome during endoscopic clamping of an intestinal perforation secondary to colonoscopy

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A colonoscopia é um exame muito utilizado nos dias atuais para diagnóstico, tratamento e controle de doenças intestinais. A perfuração intestinal, embora rara, é a mais temida complicação deste exame. A correção da perfuração pode ser feita através do uso de clipes posicionados por via endoscópica. O objetivo deste relato de caso foi alertar os especialistas para a ocorrência e o tratamento de síndrome de compartimento abdominal durante pinçamento endoscópio de perfuração intestinal secundário à colonoscopia. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 60 anos, estado físico ASA II, submetida à colonoscopia sob sedação. Durante o exame constatou-se perfuração acidental do intestino e optou-se por tentar pinçar a perfuração por via endoscópica. A paciente evoluiu então com dor e distensão abdominal, pneumoperitônio, síndrome de compartimento abdominal, dispnéia e instabilidade cardiovascular. Realizou-se punção abdominal de emergência, o que determinou a melhora clínica da paciente até que laparotomia de urgência fosse realizada. Após laparotomia exploradora e sutura da perfuração a paciente evoluiu clinicamente bem. CONCLUSÕES: O pinçamento por via endoscópica de perfuração intestinal secundária à colonoscopia pode contribuir para a formação de pneumoperitônio hipertensivo e síndrome de compartimento abdominal, com repercussões clínicas graves que exigem tratamento imediato. Profissionais capacitados e recursos técnicos adequados podem ser fatores determinantes do prognóstico do paciente.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Colonoscopy is widely used for diagnosis, treatment, and control of intestinal disorders. Intestinal perforation, although rare, is the most feared complication. Perforations can be treated by endoscopic clamping. The objective of this report was to alert specialists for the development and treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome during endoscopic clamping of an intestinal perforation secondary to colonoscopy. CASE REPORT: This is a 60 years old female, physical status ASA II, who underwent colonoscopy under sedation. During the exam, an accidental intestinal perforation was observed, and it was decided to attempt the endoscopic clamping of the perforation. The patient developed abdominal pain and distension, pneumoperitoneum, abdominal compartment syndrome, dyspnea, and cardiovascular instability. Emergency abdominal puncture was done with clinical improvement until urgent laparotomy was performed. After exploratory laparotomy and stitching of the perforation, the patient presented good clinical evolution. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic clamping of an intestinal perforation secondary to colonoscopy can contribute for the development of hypertensive pneumoperitoneum and abdominal compartment syndrome with severe clinical repercussions that demand immediate treatment. Capable professionals and adequate technical resources can be determinant of the prognosis of the patient.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La colonoscopia es un examen utilizado muy a menudo en la actualidad para el diagnóstico, tratamiento y el control de las enfermedades intestinales. La perforación intestinal, aunque sea rara, es la más temida complicación de ese examen. La corrección de la perforación puede ser hecha a través del uso de clips introducidos por vía endoscópica. El objetivo de este relato de caso, fue avisarles a los expertos sobre el aparecimiento y el tratamiento del síndrome de Compartimiento Abdominal durante el pinzamiento endoscópico de perforación intestinal secundario a la colonoscopia. RELATO DEL CASO: Paciente del sexo femenino, 60 años, estado físico ASA II, sometida a la colonoscopia bajo sedación. Durante el examen se comprobó la perforación accidental del intestino y se optó por tratar de pinzar la perforación por vía endoscópica. La paciente evolucionó con dolor y con una distensión abdominal, neumoperitoneo, síndrome de Compartimiento Abdominal, disnea e inestabilidad cardiovascular. Se realizó la punción abdominal de emergencia, lo que determinó la mejoría clínica de la paciente hasta que se hiciese la laparotomía de urgencia. Después de realizarla con exploración y con sutura de la perforación, la paciente evolucionó bien clínicamente. CONCLUSIONES: El pinzamiento por vía endoscópica de perforación intestinal secundaria a la colonoscopia, puede contribuir a la formación de neumoperitoneo hipertensivo y el síndrome de Compartimiento Abdominal, con repercusiones clínicas graves que exigen un tratamiento inmediato. Los profesionales capacitados y los recursos técnicos adecuados, pueden ser factores determinantes del pronóstico del paciente.

Nicolau syndrome following intramuscular benzathine penicillin.

Nicolau syndrome (NS) is a rare complication of an intramuscular injection characterized by severe pain, skin discoloration, and varying levels of tissue necrosis. The case outcomes vary from atrophic ulcers and severe pain to sepsis and limb amputation. We describe a case of a seven-year-old boy with diagnosis of NS after intramuscular benzathine penicillin injection to the ventrolateral aspect of the left thigh. Characteristic violaceous discoloration of skin and immediate injection site pain identified it as a case of NS. The case was complicated by rapid progression of compartment syndrome of the lower limb, proceeding to acute renal failure and death. Associated compartment syndrome can be postulated as a poor prognostic factor for NS.

Peroneal nerve palsy due to compartment syndrome after facial plastic surgery

A 25-year-old white man, right after bilateral rhytidoplasty, presented with agitation, necessiting use of haloperidol. Some hours after, he developed severe pain in his legs and a diagnosis of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) was considered. Even with treatment for NMS he still complained of pain. A diagnosis of lower limb compartment syndrome (CS) was done only 12 hours after the initial event, being submitted to fasciotomy in both legs, disclosing very pale muscles, due to previous ischemia. This syndrome was not explained only by facial surgery, his position and duration of the procedure. It can be explained by a sequence of events. He had a history of pain in his legs during physical exercises, usually seen in chronic compartment syndrome. He used to take anabolizant and venlafaxine, not previously related, and the agitation could be related to serotoninergic syndrome caused by interaction between venlafaxine and haloperidol. Rhabdomyolisis could lead to oedema and ischmemia in both anterior leg compartment. This report highlights the importance of early diagnosis of compartment syndrome, otherwise, even after fasciotomy, a permanent disability secondary to peripheral nerve compression could occur.

Logo após ritidoplastia bilateral, um jovem de 25 anos apresentou agitação, necessitando uso de haloperidol. Algumas horas após, desenvolveu dor intensa em membros inferiores, e o diagnóstico de síndrome neuroléptica maligna foi considerado. Mesmo com o tratamento para tal, persistiu com dor. Após 12 horas do início do quadro, foi realizado o diagnóstico de síndrome compartimental de membros inferiores e o jovem foi submetido a fasciotomia bilateral. Uma seqüência de eventos desencadeou esta síndrome, já que sua ocorrência dificilmente seria justificada pela cirurgia facial e/ou posição do paciente durante o procedimento. O jovem apresentava previamente dor em membros inferiores aos exercícios, sugerindo a ocorrência de uma síndrome compartimental crônica. Ele fazia uso de anabolizantes e venlafaxina, não relatado no início do quadro, e a agitação poderia ser explicada por uma síndrome serotoninérgia desencadeada pela interação deste último medicamento e haloperidol. A rabdomiólise secundária a estes eventos causou edema e isquemia nos compartimentos anteriores de ambos os membros inferiores, levando a uma compressão secundária do nervo fibular. O caso em questão ilustra a importância do diagnóstico precoce da síndrome compartimental pois, caso contrário, mesmo com fasciotomia, uma complicação permanente devido à compressão de nervos periféricos pode se estabelecer.

Mannitol extravasation during partial nephrectomy leading to forearm compartment syndrome

We present the first known complication of forearm compartment syndrome after mannitol infusion during partial nephrectomy. We stress the importance of excellent intravenous catheter access and constant visual monitoring of the intravenous catheter site during and after mannitol infusion as ways to prevent this complication. Prompt recognition of compartment syndrome with appropriate intervention can prevent long-term sequelae.

Rabdomiólise por síndrome compartimental glútea após cirurgia bariátrica: relato de caso / Rhabdomyolysis secondary to gluteal compartment syndrome after bariatric surgery: case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A cirurgia bariátrica tornou-se rotineira e muitas complicações têm sido relatadas. O objetivo deste relato foi apresentar um caso de síndrome compartimental glútea que evoluiu para insuficiência renal aguda após cirurgia bariátrica e discutir aspectos do diagnóstico e condutas profilática e terapêutica. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo masculino, 42 anos, branco, índice de massa corporal (IMC) 43, estado físico ASA II, submetido à cirurgia bariátrica tipo duodenal switch, sob anestesia geral associada à anestesia peridural. O procedimento transcorreu sem intercorrências. O tempo anestésico-cirúrgico foi de 3 horas e 30 minutos. No primeiro dia do pós-operatório o paciente apresentou dor na região lombossacral e nas nádegas, além de parestesia nos membros inferiores na distribuição do nervo isquiático. Durante o exame, as nádegas apresentavam discreta palidez, tensas, edemaciadas, dolorosas à palpação e à movimentação. Foi diagnosticada síndrome compartimental glútea que evoluiu com rabdomiólise e insuficiência renal aguda. Houve recuperação da função renal e nenhuma seqüela motora ou sensitiva foi detectada. CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes obesos mórbidos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica podem apresentar síndrome compartimental glútea. Quando não diagnosticada e tratada precocemente, podem evoluir com rabdomiólise e insuficiência renal aguda que representam grave ameaça à vida.

Síndrome compartamental abdominal en pacientes oncológicos: presentación de dos casos clínicos / Abdominal compartment syndrome in oncology patients: presentation of two clinical cases

Abdominal compartment syndrome is a multiple organ dysfunction ascribed to a sharp increase in intra-abdominal pressure.It is observed in new-borns with abdominal or diaphragmatic wall defects (omphalocele and gastroschisis) and in adults in events triggering a sharp increase in volume of abdominal cavity liquid (closed or penetrating traumas, intraperitoneal or retroperitoneal bleeding, very aggressive reanimation. Diagnosis arises from clinical signs, abdominal distension and measurement of intra-abdominal pressure as well as renal, respiratory and cardiovascular involvement. Measurement of intra-abdominal pressure is based on inferior vena cava or intravesical vein pressure. Treatment consists of evacuation by abdominal puncture maintained and adequately monitored during 8 to 15 days.

Rabdomiólise induzida por exercício e risco de hipertermia maligna. Relato de caso / Exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis and risk for malignant hyperthermia. Case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Rabdomiólise é a lesão do músculo esquelético com liberação dos constituintes da célula para o plasma. Exercício exaustivo e extenuante, especialmente em homens não condicionados, pode resultar em morbidade maior com hiperpotassemia, acidose metabólica, coagulação intravascular disseminada, síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo e rabdomiólise. Tem sido sugerido que hipertermia maligna, choque térmico e rabdomiólise induzida por exercício são síndromes fortemente relacionadas. O objetivo deste relato é descrever um caso de rabdomiólise fulminante após exercício físico e a correlação do quadro com hipertermia maligna. RELATO DO CASO: Homem de 32 anos apresentou mal estar seguido de síncope após correr 2.350 m em prova de aptidão física. Foi levado ao hospital, evoluiu com insuficiência respiratória, bradiarritmia, hipotensão arterial e parada cardiocirculatória. Foi reanimado, ficou comatoso, com importante rigidez muscular, choque persistente, distúrbio de coagulação, acidose metabólica, hiperpotassemia, evoluindo para óbito em menos de 24 horas. A autópsia revelou edema agudo de pulmão, coagulação intravascular disseminada e insuficiência renal aguda conseqüente a rabdomiólise. CONCLUSÕES: Tem sido sugerido que rabdomiólise induzida por exercício e hipertermia maligna são síndromes fortemente relacionadas. O paciente evoluiu para óbito antes de qualquer investigação específica para hipertermia maligna. No entanto, é importante pesquisar a susceptibilidade para esta síndrome em seus familiares a fim de evitar eventos anestésicos com potencial risco para a vida

Diagnosis and management of severe acute pancreatitis complicated with abdominal compartment syndrome / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Presented in this paper is our experience in the diagnosis and management of abdominal compartment syndrome during severe acute pancreatitis. On the basis of the history of severe acute pancreatitis, after effective fluid resuscitation, if patients developed renal, pulmonary and cardiac insufficiency after abdominal expansion and abdominal wall tension, ACS should be considered. Cystometry could be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Emergency decompressive celiotomy and temporary abdominal closure with a 3 liter sterile plastic bag must be performed. It is also critical to prevent reperfusion syndrome. In 23 cases of ACS, 18 cases received emergency decompressive celiotomy and 5 cases did not. In the former, 3 patients died (16.7%) while in the later, 4 (80%) died. Total mortality rate was 33.3% (7/21). In 7 death cases, 4 patients developed acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis (AOSC). All the patients who received emergency decompressive celiotomy 5 h after confirmation of ACS survived. The definitive abdominal closure took place mostly 3 to 5 days after emergency decompressive celiotomy, with longest time being 8 days. 6 cases of ACS at infection stage were all attributed to infected necrosis in abdominal cavity and retroperitoneum. ACS could occur in SIRS stage and infection stage during SAP, and has different pathophysiological basis. Early diagnosis, emergency decompressive celiotomy and temporary abdominal closure with a 3L sterile plastic bag are the keys to the management of the condition.

Compartment syndrome of the thigh. A case report and review of the literature

A case of compartment syndrome of the thigh following a gunshot injury that resulted in significant morbidity is presented. Early diagnosis of this uncommon condition requires a high index of suspicion in order to reduce morbidity and mortality. Timely diagnosis, emergency three-compartment decompression, prophylaxis against reperfusion syndrome and aggressive rehabilitation are necessary for a favourable outcome.