Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) occurs when the abdomen becomes subject to increased pressure reaching past the point of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH).

Once the abdominal wall can no longer expand, any further fluid leaking into the tissue results in fairly rapid rises in the pressure within the closed space.

As the pressure increases and reaches a point where the abdomen can no longer be distended it starts to affect the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems.

The key to recognizing abdominal compartment syndrome is the demonstration of elevated intra-abdominal pressure which is performed most often via the urinary bladder, and it is considered to be the "gold standard".

[12] Multiorgan failure includes damage to the cardiac, pulmonary, renal, neurological, gastrointestinal, abdominal wall, and ophthalmic systems.

[13] In a recent systematic review, Holodinsky et al. described 25 risk factors associated with IAH (intra-abdominal hypertension) and 16 with ACS (abdominal compartment syndrome).

Recognizing the pivotal role of fluid resuscitation in the pathogenesis of IAH and ACS supplies the clinician with a target for preventive measures.