Complicated Catastrophic Calcium Gluconate Extravasation: Post-Surgical Graft Calcinosis Cutis

Area of Science:

• Medical Case Reports
• Dermatology
• Pediatric Complications

Background:

• Extravasation of intravenous fluids can cause severe tissue damage, especially with irritant or vesicant drugs.
• Calcinosis cutis is a rare condition characterized by calcium salt deposition in the skin.
• Iatrogenic complications following medical procedures require careful consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of calcinosis cutis resulting from calcium gluconate extravasation in a pediatric patient.
• To highlight the potential for iatrogenic post-surgical complications following extravasation management.
• To emphasize the importance of early recognition and treatment of extravasation injuries.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing a 14-year-old male patient.
• Description of the initial extravasation event and subsequent development of calcinosis cutis.
• Documentation of surgical intervention (debridement and grafting) and its outcome.

Main Results:

• The patient developed extensive tissue necrosis and calcinosis cutis following calcium gluconate extravasation.
• Surgical management was performed, but the patient later experienced iatrogenic post-surgical graft calcinosis cutis.
• The patient suffered severe hand disability as a consequence of the complications.

Conclusions:

• This case highlights the significant morbidity associated with calcium gluconate extravasation.
• Prompt and effective management of extravasation is critical to prevent severe tissue damage and long-term disability.
• Iatrogenic post-surgical calcinosis cutis represents a challenging complication requiring further investigation and preventative strategies.