title: Intra-abdominal complications following prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
abstract: A patient who underwent prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation developed an acute abdomen in the early post-arrest period which required laparotomy. Operative findings were of a perisplenic haematoma and infarction of the caecum. The latter has not previously been reported in this setting. A review of the literature reveals that many abdominal complications may occur following external cardiac massage. Difficulties in investigation and management are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Dandenong Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Bernard
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Scott
mesh_terms: D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002432:Cecum / Q000098:blood supply*; D003082:Colectomy; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007238:Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D013154:Spleen / Q000293:injuries*; D013156:Splenectomy; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery