Hand compartment syndrome due to extravasation of contrast medium. A technical error. A report of a case and review of the literature

J Surg Case Rep. 2022 Mar 4;2022(3):rjac054. doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjac054. eCollection 2022 Mar.

Abstract

The extravasation of contrast agents is one of the most common and remarkable complications during a computed tomography (CT) scan. The clinical manifestations are commonly minimal, leading to mild symptoms. However, in rare cases of high-volume extravasation, the complications are extremely threatening. Compartment syndrome of the hand and the forearm leads to critical dysfunction and upper limb necrosis. This article reported an unusual case of hand compartment syndrome following extravasation of iodinated contrast agent from a peripheral venous catheter, during a CT angiography, and its surgical treatment. Moreover, a literature review regarding all published similar surgically treated cases was conducted.

Keywords: compartment syndrome; complication; computer tomography angiography; contrast agent; extravasation; hand.

Publication types

  • Case Reports