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

ABSTRACT

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.