J Korean Soc Traumatol.  2006 Dec;19(2):178-182.

A Fatal Intracerebral Hemorrhage Complicated by Compartment Syndrome of the Upper Arm

• Han IB
• Chung YS
• Shin DE
• Huh R
• Chung SS
• Ahn JY

Abstract

Compartment syndrome has a wide spectrum from muscle pain to a life-threatening condition, such as acute renal failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) due to compartment syndrome has not been reported. We report a patient who presented with ICH leading to death. A 25-year-old female with no significant past history developed extensive compartment syndrome followed by rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, DIC, and ICH. Although the patient underwent a fasciotomy and hemodialysis and received aggressive resuscitation with massive transfusions of blood and intravenous fluids, she died. This case stresses the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment of compartment syndrome to prevent devastating complications.

Keyword

Intracerebral hemorrhage; Compartment syndrome; Disseminated intravascular coagulation

MeSH Terms

Acute Kidney Injury
Adult
Arm*
Cerebral Hemorrhage*
Compartment Syndromes*
Dacarbazine
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Early Diagnosis
Female
Humans
Myalgia
Renal Dialysis
Resuscitation
Rhabdomyolysis
Dacarbazine