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Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
Non-traumatic compartment syndrome secondary to deep vein thrombosis and anticoagulation
Peter Alexander Newman1, Sunny Deo
1Department of General Surgery, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK.
Insights
This case study highlights non-traumatic compartment syndrome in a patient treated with anticoagulation for deep vein thrombosis. Prompt fasciotomies were necessary due to high compartment pressures, with careful monitoring post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a surgical emergency.
- Non-traumatic etiologies are less common but critical to recognize.
- Anticoagulation therapy can be a risk factor for ACS.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old male inpatient developed ACS in three lower limb compartments.
- The patient was recently initiated on anticoagulation for pulmonary emboli and deep vein thrombosis.
- Compartment pressures exceeded 70 mm Hg, necessitating fasciotomies.
Findings:
- Four-compartment fasciotomies were performed due to elevated pressures.
- Postoperative heparin therapy led to significant blood loss but no neurovascular deficit.
- Reoperation for wound closure revealed healthy tissue.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering anticoagulation and deep venous thrombosis as non-traumatic causes of ACS.
- Early recognition and surgical intervention are crucial for limb salvage.
- Further research into the mechanisms linking anticoagulation to ACS may be warranted.
Abstract:
We describe an unusual case of non-traumatic compartment syndrome in three compartments of the left lower limb in a 57-year-old male inpatient. He had recently been started on anticoagulation therapy for multiple pulmonary emboli and deep vein thrombosis of the left posterior tibial and peroneal veins. Three of the four osteofascial compartments had pressures above 70 mm Hg, hence four compartment fasciotomies were performed. Postoperatively, intravenous heparin therapy was started resulting in a significant blood loss, but he had no neurovascular deficit. At reoperation, for primary wound closure, his tissues looked healthy. Non-traumatic causes of acute compartment syndrome, including deep venous thrombosis and anticoagulation, are considered.
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