title: Compartment syndrome in the hand due to extravasation of contrast material.
abstract: Extravasation of contrast material is a well-recognized complication of contrast-enhanced imaging studies. Most extravasations result only in minimal swelling or erythema; however, severe skin necrosis, ulceration and compartment syndrome may occur with extravasation of large volumes. This article presents a patient in whom extravasation developed after computed tomography (CT) contrast material was injected intravenously in the dorsum of the hand. Compartment syndrome was diagnosed, and the patient underwent fasciotomy. In follow-up, the patient regained full use of the hand. Although the use of contrast material has significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy of CT, anaphylaxis and contrast material extravasation are important complications. Selection of non-ionic contrast material, careful evaluation of the intravenous administration site and close monitoring of the patient during contrast material injection may help minimize or prevent extravasation injuries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Gazi University, Besevler, 06500 Ankara, Turkey. hamzabuz@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Hakan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Selek
authors.forename: Hamza
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ozer
authors.forename: Gülbin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Aygencel
authors.forename: Sacit
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Turanli
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / Q000150:complications*; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media