Cutaneous necrosis following peripheral intravenous vasopressin therapy

Vasopressin infusion through peripheral veins is a commonly used modality for control of bleeding esophageal varices. A cirrhotic patient in whom multiple areas of cutaneous necrosis developed during a course of vasopressin therapy is presented. The involved areas included the infusion sites as well as sites unrelated to infusion but subject to pressure. Patients receiving this form of therapy must be carefully observed for the development of ischemic cutaneous complications.