Compartment syndrome after thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction

The use of various forms of thrombolytic treatment in acute myocardial infarction has been widespread for many years and their potential to cause haemorrhagic complications well recognised. Haemorrhagic sequaelae are usually minor and consist of oozing from venepuncture or cannula sites or minor haemorrhage from mucosal membranes. The potential for more serious bleeding complications is acknowledged, but is fortunately less common. Isolated cases of compartment syndrome have been reported in the past, but these usually follow some degree of local trauma. The case is reported of a patient who developed atraumatic compartment syndrome of the thigh after single dose thrombolysis.