Compartment syndrome of the arm: a complication of noninvasive blood pressure monitoring during thrombolytic therapy for myocardial infarction.
We report a rare case of tricep compartment syndrome caused by a hematoma which resulted from noninvasive blood pressure monitoring (NIBPM) during thrombolytic therapy. Clinicians administering thrombolytic agents should be aware of the risk of bleeding and compartment syndrome at the site of NIBPM. Appropriate preventative measures should be instituted when using automated pneumatic cuffs. An understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of an arm compartment syndrome will allow for prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment.
Alford
J Winslow
JW
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
Palumbo
Mark A
MA
Barnum
Michael J
MJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001132:Arm / Q000098:blood supply*; D015924:Blood Pressure Monitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000627:therapeutic use
D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator