ABSTRACT
Hemodynamic instability can result from an acute intra-abdominal process such as bleeding, infection, and abdominal compartment syndrome. The rapid identification of the underlying mechanism helps in stratifying the cause and consequently the best treatment. In addition, abnormal findings are common in the intensive care unit (ICU). In a study of 400 critically ill patients who underwent abdominal ultrasound (US), new pathological findings were observed in 31%, of which 10% required an intervention, and in 6% other therapeutic interventions were performed.1
