Amputation in crush syndrome: A case report

Crush syndrome (CS) is a condition with a high morbidity and mortality due to severe electrolyte disorders, circulatory dysfunction and multiple organ failure, secondary to severe rhabdomyolysis and reperfusion injuries. There is controversy about the role of fasciotomy in the treatment of compartment syndromes due to crush injuries and it is still unknown if early amputation has patient-centered benefits.

This is a 29-year-old patient whose lower body was trapped for 50 h under a 40-meter landslide. Upon admission the left thigh was edematous and painful. Laboratories revealed a creatinine of 1.58 mg/dL, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, hyperlactatemia and creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) of 88,700 U/L, suggesting CS. Despite fluid and bicarbonate infusion his renal function worsened, CPK rose and left thigh became more tense, so a fasciotomy was performed. He developed a distributive shock refractory to vasopressors, steroids and methylene blue so amputation was proposed. Two hours after amputation the vasopressor support was nearly withdrawn.

This case suggests a potential benefit of amputation in patients with CS and progressive deterioration despite aggressive resuscitation. It also invites to think if this is a decision that should be considered before the establishment or in the initial stages of the syndrome, even if the viability of the extremity is still questionable.

The presence of risk factors for poor prognosis can favor amputation despite the apparent viability of the limb and the morbidity of losing an extremity.