Hand compartment syndrome secondary to contrast media extravasation: A case report

Contrast media extravasation injury is a recognized complication of contrast media use. Compartmental syndrome of the hand secondary to contrast extravasation is exceptional. We describe a case of compartment syndrome of the hand secondary to contrast media extravasation.

We present a 47-year-old woman with a history of pulmonary embolism who was diagnosed of compartment syndrome of the left hand after injection of contrast medium during a CT scan. Whose first diagnosis was mild contrast medium extravasation injury 24 h before the compartment syndrome. Standard radiography showed an accumulation of contrast medium in the left hand. The patient underwent a fasciotomy and secondary healing. Follow-up showed good radiographic, clinical, and hand function after 2 months.

The occurrence of hand compartment syndrome secondary to contrast media extravasation is rare. Most of the time, they are initially diagnosed as medium extravasation before the worsening of symptoms. Because of its unknown incidence, treatment is not codified. The goal of treatment is to save the limb and restore function. This can be achieved rapidly with early surgery because of the unpredictable course.

Contrast media injection is not a harmless gesture. Hand compartment syndrome after contrast extravasation is rare and is a severe injury, our experience with this case suggests that early surgery helps save the limb and restore function. Always fear a compartmental syndrome in case of extravasation of contrast medium.