Compartment syndrome: pathophysiology, clinical presentations, treatment, and prevention in human and veterinary medicine

Abstract

CS is a complex clinical condition where increased pressure within a compartment can cause significant adverse effects within the compartment as well as throughout the body. Systemic inflammatory responses and local ischemia-reperfusion elements can contribute to the detrimental effects seen in CS. This cascade of events results in increased mortality rates and contributes to the development of CS elsewhere. A better understanding of CS will help veterinarians improve patient care and outcome. Future studies on incidence, prevention, and treatment of CSs in the critical care patient are needed in veterinary medicine.

The use of multimodal analgesia in the management of suspected extremity compartment syndrome in the pelvic limb of a horse

“…; Nielsen and Whelan ). In a clinical setting, however, these tools may not be available and therefore diagnosis is usually based on history and clinical signs consistent with compartment syndrome (Rorabeck and McGee ; Nielsen and Whelan ).…”

Effect of intra‐abdominal hypertension on plasma exogenous creatinine clearance in conscious and anesthetized dogs

“…An increase in IAP to >20 mm Hg has a profound effect on cardiac output and urinary output . It had been assumed that the decrease in urinary output is due to a decrease in cardiac output, which in turn results from decreased venous return . However, Harman et al reported that maintenance of cardiac output at a normal level did not appear to prevent kidney failure in an experimental model of elevated IAP.…”

“…A sustained increase in intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) can cause intra‐abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), which contributes significantly to increased morbidity and mortality in critically ill people . The increased pressure within the abdominal cavity can adversely affect normal perfusion and function in the surrounding tissues, and eventually this process can lead to physiologic dysfunction and multiple organ failure . In veterinary medicine, there have been a few reports of IAH and ACS having multiple negative systemic effects .…”

“…In veterinary medicine, there have been a few reports of IAH and ACS having multiple negative systemic effects . Awareness of IAP in veterinary patients with critical abdominal disease is essential for optimal patient management …”

Diagnosis and treatment of a suspected pseudoaneurysm of the femoral artery in a working police dog

“…Definitive diagnosis can be achieved by measuring intracompartmental pressure either using invasive (manometry) or noninvasive (near infrared spectroscopy) techniques. However, it is generally agreed that clinical signs indicative of compartment syndrome warrant intervention without confirmation (Nielsen and Whelan 2012). If left untreated, compartment syndrome may result in loss of the limb, in which case amputation is required.…”