Compartment Syndrome of Hand Following Extravasation of Intravenous Contrast

The most prevalent causes of hand compartment syndrome are forearm and distal radius fractures; extravasation of medicines and vascular injury are among the other established causes. A 59-year-old female with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and hypothyroidism presented with recurrent abdominal pain. She was advised a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) abdomen. During contrast injection, she experienced mild pain, swelling, and irritation in her left hand, leading to discontinuation. Contrast was successfully administered in the right hand. Four hours later, she developed blisters and tense swelling in the left hand. Examination revealed redness, reduced pulsations, and fluid-filled bullae. She was diagnosed with hand compartment syndrome secondary to contrast extravasation and underwent emergency fasciotomy. Postoperative recovery was favourable, with reduced swelling by day 7 and a healthy wound by day 15. She was discharged with no further complications. Contrast extravasation is a rare but preventable cause of compartment syndrome. Prompt recognition and early fasciotomy are critical to prevent neurovascular damage.