Acute compartment syndrome in the hand due to cutaneous anthrax: Case report and literature review

Cutaneous anthrax, a rare but serious infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, generally responds well to medical treatment. However, in some cases, it can lead to serious complications such as meningitis, septic shock, and compartment syndrome. This case report presents a 71-year-old male patient who developed cutaneous anthrax infection following an insect bite, followed by acute compartment syndrome. The patient initially presented with a painless skin lesion, but despite antibiotic treatment, the lesion rapidly deteriorated. The patient was admitted to the inpatient department, started on intravenous antibiotic therapy and closely monitored, but developed acute compartment syndrome in his hand. Emergency fasciotomy was performed to prevent complications of compartment syndrome, and good results were achieved with wound care and skin grafting. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of cutaneous anthrax complicated by compartment syndrome. Timely intervention, including fasciotomy and appropriate wound care, can lead to successful treatment outcomes.