Abstract:
Background: Compartment syndrome of the hand is a rare and devastating complication of peripheral intravenous extravasation. With changes in critical care research, vasoactive medications are now more frequently administered through peripheral lines in the acute setting.
Methods: We present the case of a patient diagnosed with compartment syndrome of the hand secondary to phenylephrine extravasation in the setting of hypovolemic shock.
Results: The use of fasciotomy compartment release and intraoperative phentolamine resulted in significant improvement in tissue perfusion postoperatively.
Conclusion: With incraesed incidence of peripherally administered vasoactive medications, the hand surgeon should be aware of potential complications and treatment of compartment syndrome with urgent fasciotomy and phentolamine administration.
Reference:
Fisher, A. H. and Jarrett, N. J. (2020) Compartment Syndrome of the Hand Induced by Peripherally Extravasated Phenylephrine. Hand, July 15th. https://doi.org/10.1177/1558944720937361 (epub ahead of print).