Which statement correctly defines abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS)?

Which statement correctly defines abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS)?

• A. Sustained IAP greater than 20 mm Hg with new organ failure
• B. Sustained IAP greater than 12 mm Hg
• C. Any intra-abdominal pressure elevation
• D. Increased intra-luminal contents as the sole cause

Answer: (A)

Abdominal compartment syndrome is a pressure-driven state in which intra-abdominal pressure becomes high enough to cause new organ dysfunction. The defining description is a sustained intra-abdominal pressure above 20 mmHg with the development of new organ failure or dysfunction. That combination—very elevated pressure plus new impairment of organ function—signals that the pressure itself is compromising perfusion and organ function, necessitating urgent intervention. Sustained IAP above 12 mmHg describes intra-abdominal hypertension, not ACS, because it does not by itself require organ dysfunction. Saying any elevation in intra-abdominal pressure is ACS is incorrect, since not all pressure increases cause organ failure. Finally, attributing ACS solely to increased intra-luminal contents is inaccurate; ACS can result from edema, hemorrhage, fluid accumulation, or external factors, and the critical factor is the sustained high pressure with new organ dysfunction, not the specific cause.

Abdominal compartment syndrome is a pressure-driven state in which intra-abdominal pressure becomes high enough to cause new organ dysfunction. The defining description is a sustained intra-abdominal pressure above 20 mmHg with the development of new organ failure or dysfunction. That combination—very elevated pressure plus new impairment of organ function—signals that the pressure itself is compromising perfusion and organ function, necessitating urgent intervention.

Sustained IAP above 12 mmHg describes intra-abdominal hypertension, not ACS, because it does not by itself require organ dysfunction. Saying any elevation in intra-abdominal pressure is ACS is incorrect, since not all pressure increases cause organ failure. Finally, attributing ACS solely to increased intra-luminal contents is inaccurate; ACS can result from edema, hemorrhage, fluid accumulation, or external factors, and the critical factor is the sustained high pressure with new organ dysfunction, not the specific cause.