Iatrogenic forearm compartment syndrome due to contrast extravasation: A case report

Compartment syndrome is a severe condition that can have devastating consequences if not promptly identified and treated. We present a case of a 65-year-old male patient with no known medical history who was brought to the hospital by an ambulance following a traumatic incident. A CT scan was performed as part of the standard protocol for evaluating multiple injuries. Unfortunately, during this procedure, the patient experienced a radiology contrast extravasation, leading to the development of an iatrogenic compartment syndrome in his right forearm. To address this urgent situation, an immediate surgical intervention through a right forearm volar fasciotomy, along with a carpal tunnel release, was performed. Following the fasciotomy, the patient's condition improved rapidly, and he returned to his normal baseline health status. This case highlights the importance of considering contrast media extravasation when dealing with such cases and being ready for prompt identification and precise treatment to avoid the deleterious complication of misdiagnosis or delayed intervention.