Forearm compartment syndrome following intravenous thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke.
BACKGROUND
Minor and major bleeding complications have occurred following thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke. However, compartment syndrome has not been reported among these incidences.


RESULTS
This article presents a case of a forearm compartment syndrome in a patient with stroke who had fallen at the time of the infarction and was treated with tissue plasminogen activator. We wish to forewarn clinicians who may encounter similar cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients suffering from stroke who fall are at risk of developing a compartment syndrome; the early diagnosis is often difficult, the sequelae can be devastating, and wrestling with the benefits and risks of reversing the coagulopathy in the acute phase of a cerebral infarction is a challenge.
Yip
Todd R
TR
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
Demaerschalk
Bart M
BM
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000368:Aged; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005542:Forearm; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D020521:Stroke / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator