Chemotherapy Extravasation Causing Soft-Tissue Necrosis Mimicking Infection: A Longitudinal Case Study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Extravasation injuries are infrequent but can lead to severe complications, including tissue necrosis and infections.
• Accurate diagnosis is challenging as symptoms overlap with conditions like necrotizing fasciitis (NF) and cellulitis.
• Early identification and management are vital to prevent morbidity and mortality.

Observation:

• A case study involving a 44-year-old male with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing chemotherapy via a chest port.
• The patient presented with extravasation injuries that mimicked NF, leading to infectious complications.
• This highlights the diagnostic challenges and potential severity of extravasation events.

Findings:

• Extravasation injuries can present with diverse symptoms, ranging from pain to tissue necrosis.
• Misdiagnosis can delay appropriate treatment, increasing the risk of secondary infections and severe outcomes.
• The case underscores the importance of considering extravasation in patients with unexplained soft tissue complications.

Implications:

• Physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for extravasation injuries, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
• Differential diagnosis should include extravasation when evaluating soft tissue infections or necrosis.
• Improved diagnostic strategies and timely intervention can significantly improve patient prognosis and reduce healthcare burden.