First Reported Incidence of Delayed Secondary Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in a Trauma Patient with Scleroderma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: Scleroderma is a complex immune-mediated rheumatic disease that is characterized by fibrosis of the skin, internal organs, and vasculopathy. Extensive fibrosis, especially in the limited compartment, has been reported to induce acute compartment syndrome frequently reported involving the upper and lower extremities. Case Presentation: We present a rare case of a 54-year-old Caucasian female who underwent surgery for abdominal compartment syndrome in the setting of scleroderma. Upon arrival, at the hospital, the patient’s health status showed signs of improvement with no indicators of abdominal compartment syndrome until the tenth hospital day. A CT scan showed a new intra-abdominal fluid collection with total lower abdominal anasarca and a stable retroperitoneal hematoma. Following emergency surgery, significant bowel edema without other intra-abdominal injuries was noted. Conclusion: Secondary abdominal compartment syndrome may occur in patients with scleroderma without evidence of intra-abdominal trauma or emergent abdominal surgery. Further research is warranted to investigate the relationship between scleroderma and secondary abdominal compartment syndrome.