Acute lower limb compartment syndrome after Cesarean section: a case report

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Surgical Emergencies
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Acute compartment syndrome of the lower limb is a rare but severe intrapartum and postpartum complication.
• Early diagnosis is critical to prevent permanent functional deficits or limb loss.
• Nonspecific clinical signs and symptoms necessitate awareness of predisposing risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of acute postpartum compartment syndrome.
• To highlight the importance of considering compartment syndrome in obstetric patients with lower limb pain.
• To review predisposing factors and management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 32-year-old Caucasian woman.
• Review of clinical presentation, risk factors, and treatment.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with acute postpartum compartment syndrome.
• Predisposing factors identified included augmented intrapartum blood loss, prolonged hypotension, and oxytocin administration.
• Surgical decompression via fasciotomy was performed.

Conclusions:

• Acute compartment syndrome is a crucial differential diagnosis for sudden onset of lower limb pain in the intrapartum and postpartum periods.
• Key risk factors in obstetric patients include significant blood loss, hypotension, and oxytocin use due to its vasoconstrictive properties.
• Prompt surgical fasciotomy is the definitive treatment for affected muscular compartments.