Paediatric Hand Compartment Syndrome Secondary to Intravenous Contrast Extravasation: A Case Report.
Mehmet Ince, Evren Karaali, Mustafa Yasin Hatipoğlu
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Case in brief
A 9-year-old girl developed hand compartment syndrome after 50 mL of iohexol extravasation during a contrast-enhanced abdominal CT. Despite initial management, her symptoms worsened, leading to a diagnosis of compartment syndrome characterized by severe pain, paraesthesia, and prolonged capillary refill. Emergency decompression was performed, and she achieved full recovery with normal grip strength and a QuickDASH score of 0 at 6 months.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should be aware that even moderate-volume iodinated contrast extravasation can lead to rapid onset of compartment syndrome in pediatric patients, necessitating prompt intervention.
Why it matters
This case highlights the need to reassess standard extravasation management protocols when compartment syndrome is suspected, particularly in pediatric cases.