Intra-abdominal pressure

Intra-abdominal pressure is the pressure within the abdominal cavity. It varies with breathing, posture, muscle activity, and the volume or properties of abdominal contents.

Diaphragm: The dome-shaped muscle separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities and driving much of quiet breathing. Its descent during inhalation displaces abdominal contents and can raise abdominal pressure.
Intra-abdominal hypertension: A sustained or repeated elevation of intra-abdominal pressure to at least 12 mmHg in critically ill adults. It is a clinically defined abnormal elevation of the pressure measured here.
Pressure: Force distributed over an area, commonly expressed in pascals or millimeters of mercury. Intra-abdominal pressure is one application of this physical quantity.
Pregnancy: The state of carrying a developing embryo or fetus in the uterus. Uterine growth changes abdominal volume and pressure over time.
Abdominal wall: The muscular and connective-tissue layers enclosing the front and sides of the abdomen. Its contraction or relaxation changes the cavity's compliance and pressure.
Abdominal compartment syndrome: A sustained intra-abdominal pressure above 20 mmHg associated with new organ dysfunction. This emergency occurs when elevated pressure impairs organ function.
Abdominal cavity: The body space containing most digestive organs, bounded by the diaphragm, abdominal wall, and pelvic structures. It defines the space in which the pressure is assessed.
Ascites: An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Accumulated fluid can increase abdominal volume and pressure.
Valsalva maneuver: A forced expiration against a closed airway that raises intrathoracic and abdominal pressures. It demonstrates how respiratory effort can sharply increase abdominal pressure.
Bladder pressure measurement: An indirect method of estimating intra-abdominal pressure by measuring pressure in the urinary bladder. It provides a practical bedside estimate of abdominal pressure.

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