A large hypopigmented skin lesion following extravasation of intravenous fluid

This report describes an unusual presentation and complication of extravasation of intravenous fluid in an infant who presented with a large hypopigmented skin lesion distant from the site of intravenous cannulation. The infusion was immediately discontinued and an alternate intravenous site secured. A chest radiograph revealed that the catheter was not in the external jugular vein site, and a large fluid collection was apparent over the right lateral chest wall. The hypopigmented skin lesion disappeared within 48 h, and the infant remained stable. This article serves to alert the physician to consider the extravasation of intravenous fluid as a potential cause of acute development of skin hypopigmentation in an at-risk patient.