Clinics in diagnostic imaging (19). Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to intra-abdominal sepsis.

A 47-year-old Chinese woman developed acute shortness of breath 12 days after a major abdominal surgery. Abdominal CT demonstrated a large intra-peritoneal fluid collection, subsequently proved to be due to an anastomosis breakdown. Chest radiograph showed bilateral diffuse air space shadowing. clinical and radiological findings were compatible with the diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to intra-abdominal sepsis. The aetiology and management of ARDS, and the role of the radiologist in the diagnosis and treatment of intra-abdominal fluid collections are discussed.