Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Forearm and Hand due to Extravasation of Computed Tomography Contrast Material

Although Compartment Syndrome is a common surgical emergency with a plethora of aetiologies, Intravenous extravasation of Computed Tomography (CT) contrast medium causing acute compartment syndrome has been reported very rarely. We present a 61-year-old female who underwent abdominal CT with Intravenous contrast for irreducible, recurrent incisional hernia, presented with persistent excruciating pain and progressive multiple blister formation over the left forearm and hand following intravenous contrast material injection via the left dorsum of the hand. Clinical diagnosis of compartment syndrome was made, X-ray left forearm and hand confirmed soft tissue contrast extravasation. She was taken for emergency decompression fasciotomy of the left forearm and hand compartments, and later partial wound closure and split skin graft into remaining areas were carried out. Clinicians and radiologist should aware of this potential complication for its early recognition, management and prevention.

Contrast Extravasation on Computed Tomography Angiography Imitating a Basilar Artery Trunk Aneurysm in Subsequent Conventional Angiogram-Negative Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Report of Two Cases with Different Clinical Courses

Contrast extravasation on computed tomography angiography (CTA) is rare but becoming more common, with increasing use of CTA for various cerebral vascular diseases. We report on two cases of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in which the CTA showed an upper basilar trunk saccular lesion suggesting ruptured aneurysm. However, immediate subsequent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) failed to show a vascular lesion. In one case, repeated follow up DSA was also negative. The patient was treated conservatively and discharged without any neurologic deficit. In the other case, the patient showed sudden mental deterioration on the third hospital day and her brain CT showed rebleeding. The immediate follow up DSA showed contrast stagnation in the vicinity of the upper basilar artery, suggestive of pseudoaneurysm. Double stents deployment at the disease segment was performed. Due to the frequent use of CTA, contrast extravasation is an increasingly common observation. Physicians should be aware that basilar artery extravasation can mimic the appearance of an aneurysm.

Intra-Arterial Treatment in Patients with Acute Massive Gastrointestinal Bleeding after Endoscopic Failure: Comparisons between Positive versus Negative Contrast Extravasation Groups

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether treatment outcome is associated with visualization of contrast extravasation in patients with acute massive gastrointestinal bleeding after endoscopic failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2007 to December 2009, patients that experienced a first attack of acute gastrointestinal bleeding after failure of initial endoscopy were referred to our interventional department for intra-arterial treatment. We enrolled 79 patients and divided them into two groups: positive and negative extravasation. For positive extravasation, patients were treated by coil embolization; and in negative extravasation, patients were treated with intra-arterial vasopressin infusion. The two groups were compared for clinical parameters, hemodynamics, laboratory findings, endoscopic characteristics, and mortality rates. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients had detectable contrast extravasation (positive extravasation), while 31 patients did not (negative extravasation). Fifty-six patients survived from this bleeding episode (overall clinical success rate, 71%). An elevation of hemoglobin level was observed in the both two groups; significantly greater in the positive extravasation group compared to the negative extravasation group. Although these patients were all at high risk of dying, the 90-day mortality rate was significantly lower in the positive extravasation than in the negative extravasation (20% versus 42%, p < 0.05). A multivariate analysis suggested that successful hemostasis (odds ratio [OR] = 28.66) is the most important predictor affecting the mortality in the two groups of patients. CONCLUSION: Visualization of contrast extravasation on angiography usually can target the bleeding artery directly, resulting in a higher success rate to control of hemorrhage.

Unusual MR Features of Extravasation of Contrast Material in Hyperacute Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Contrast extravasation in hyperacute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) indicative of active bleeding is a predictor of possible enlargement of hematoma, providing clinician with valid management decisions. We report unusual MR imaging features of contrast extravasation in hyperacute ICH in three patients: Case 1 with hypertension revealed dual foci of contrast extravasation, one in right basal ganglia and the other in left lateral ventricle, suggesting simultaneous bleeding of the two foci. Case 2 with presumed diagnosis of vasculitis showed relatively large area of contrast extravasation mimicking enhancing tumor or vascular lesion. Case 3 with hypertension showed the findings of active bleeding which was likely to occur during the time of MR imaging acquisition.

Unusual MR Features of Extravasation of Contrast Material in Hyperacute Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Contrast extravasation in hyperacute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) indicative of active bleeding is a predictor of possible enlargement of hematoma, providing clinician with valid management decisions. We report unusual MR imaging features of contrast extravasation in hyperacute ICH in three patients: Case 1 with hypertension revealed dual foci of contrast extravasation, one in right basal ganglia and the other in left lateral ventricle, suggesting simultaneous bleeding of the two foci. Case 2 with presumed diagnosis of vasculitis showed relatively large area of contrast extravasation mimicking enhancing tumor or vascular lesion. Case 3 with hypertension showed the findings of active bleeding which was likely to occur during the time of MR imaging acquisition.