Peripheral embolisation after an abdominal massage.

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Case Reports

Background:

• Abdominal massage, while a traditional practice, can potentially lead to adverse vascular events.
• Acute limb ischemia is a critical condition requiring prompt diagnosis and management.

Observation:

• A 65-year-old male experienced sudden right foot pain and toe discoloration post-abdominal massage.
• Physical examination revealed cold, discolored fourth and fifth toes.
• Extensive investigations, including vascular imaging, were unremarkable for an underlying cause.

Findings:

• The patient's symptoms were attributed to a possible vasospastic event or microembolism triggered by the massage.
• Treatment with heparin infusion, aspirin, and tramadol led to rapid symptom resolution.
• Complete recovery was achieved within five days, suggesting a reversible vascular compromise.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential vascular risks associated with non-medical abdominal massage.
• It underscores the importance of considering iatrogenic or external triggers in acute limb ischemia presentations.
• Early anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy can be effective in managing such cases, even with normal initial investigations.