Compartment syndrome from balloon pump

A 35-year-old man had significant left main coronary artery disease and required intra-aortic balloon catheter insertion owing to refractory ischemia before emergency coronary artery bypass graft. In the immediate postoperative period the patient started complaining of leg pain and diminished sensation in the right foot despite palpable pulses. The diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome of the right leg was made by an intracompartment pressure measurement of 90 mm Hg.