Traumatic arterial spasm resulting in gangrene.
A fracture of the tibia in a child resulted in diffuse arterial spasm and ultimately gangrene. No evidence of a specific arterial injury was found. The role of spasm alone in the production of gangrene has been controversial. The case presented underscores its occurrence in the pediatric population and its potential consequences. Loss of limb can occur despite prompt recognition and treatment. A review of therapeutic options is presented.
D001158:Arteries / Q000293:injuries; D002648:Child; D005734:Gangrene / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013035:Spasm / Q000150:complications*; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000150:complications; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000150:complications*