Abdominal compartment syndrome secondary to acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

Severe acute pancreatitis occurs in around 20% of patients and is associated with mortality rates between 8-40%. Abdominal compartment syndrome is a fatal complication that is associated with new organ failure or acute worsening of existing organ failure and has an associated mortality of around 60%. Intra-abdominal pressure measurements are recommended in patients with risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension or abdominal compartment syndrome. Management should be based on a step-up method and surgical intervention may be indicated when conservative treatment fails.