Acute Gastric Dilatation With Ischemia and Perforation Requiring Emergency Total Gastrectomy: A Case of Suspected Abdominal Compartment Syndrome

Abstract

Acute gastric dilatation is an uncommon surgical pathology, leading to gastric ischemia, necrosis, perforation, sepsis, and death if untreated. While rare, the development of abdominal compartment syndrome is also a devastating complication of this entity. We present a case of a 42-year-old male with a history of gastric volvulus, presenting with severe acute abdominal distension and multi-organ failure. A diagnosis of acute gastric dilatation was made, with suspicion of abdominal compartment syndrome. Emergency laparotomy was performed when nasogastric decompression failed. Total gastrectomy without anastomosis was performed due to the patient’s hemodynamic instability. However, he demised shortly after on the operating table. This case report demonstrates that even with rapid diagnosis and management, acute gastric dilatation continues to be associated with high mortality.