Journal List > J Korean Soc Surg Hand > v.18(1) > 1106416

Kim, Lee, Roh, and Yang: Computed Tomography Contrast Media Extravasation in the Upper Extremity: Clinical Features and Treatment Strategies

Abstract

Purpose:

Incidence of radiographic contrast media extravasation has increased owing to the escalating availability of contrast enhanced imaging. Potential complications of extravasation include localized swelling, itching sensation, hypesthesia, erythema, limitation of finger movement, compartment syndrome, skin sloughing, and necrosis. We describe clinical characteristics and treatment of computed tomography contrast media extravasation.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed on 26 consulted patients experiencing contrast extravasation, between January 2005 and December 2011. Age, signs, symptoms, types of contrast administered, volume of extravasation, treatment and patient outcomes were documented and evaluated, retrospectively.

Results:

Extravasation of less than 100 mL occurred in 85%. Immediate surgical therapy was necessary in 23% of cases. There were no postoperative complications and it rendered excellent cosmetic outcomes. In 77% of cases, conservative management was recommended, such as elevation and immobilization of extremity, application of ice pack, and careful monitoring.

Conclusion:

Prevention is the most important for extravasation injuries. Diagnosis and treatment must be made on the spot in order to avoid severe soft tissue damage. Hand surgeons’ decision on the necessity of surgical treatment within 6 hours is important in the prognosis of patients.

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Fig. 1.
Case 1. (A) A 59-year-old female showing erythema, swelling, paresthesia, blistering and severe pain. (B, C) Intraoperative view. Fasciotomy and concomitant transverse carpal ligament release were performed. (D) Postoperative 6 months follow-up revealed excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes.
jkssh-18-16f1.tif
Fig. 2.
Case 2. (A) A 57-year-old female showing swelling and paresthesia. (B) Intraoperative view. An incision was made on the dorsum of the hand and saline washout was performed. (C) Postoperative 6 months follow-up revealed excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes.
jkssh-18-16f2.tif
Fig. 3.
Rapid bolus injection device.
jkssh-18-16f3.tif
Table 1.
Summary of 26 patients
Case Age/Sex Amount of contrast (mL) Presence of symptoms Location Type of radiology Treatment
1 59/F 100 Swelling, paresthesia Dorsum of hand PET/CT Surgical treatment
2 57/M 30 Erythema Antecubital fossa CT Observation
3 60/F 110 Skin blistering, erythema Forearm CT Surgical treatment
4 55/M 30 Erythema, swelling Forearm CT Observation
5 61/M 40 Erythema Dorsum of hand PET/CT Observation
8 53/M 100 Swelling, paresthesia Forearm CT Surgical treatment
7 60/F 30 Swelling Dorsum of hand CT Observation
8 64/M 30 Erythema Antecubital fossa CT Observation
9 57/F 90 Swelling, paresthesia Dorsum of hand PET/CT Surgical treatment
10 54/F 40 Erythema, swelling Antecubital fossa CT Observation
11 61/M 40 Erythema Antecubital fossa CT Observation
12 48/F 50 Swelling Dorsum of hand CT Observation
13 62/F 110 Skin blistering, swelling Forearm PET/CT Surgical treatment
14 64/F 20 Erythema, swelling Antecubital fossa CT Observation
15 41/F 30 Swelling Forearm CT Observation
16 53/F 20 Erythema Antecubital fossa CT Observation
17 54/M 30 Swelling Dorsum of hand CT Observation
18 63/F 30 Swelling Antecubital fossa PET/CT Observation
19 57/M 40 Erythema, swelling Antecubital fossa PET/CT Observation
20 63/M 40 Erythema Dorsum of hand CT Observation
21 56/F 70 Erythema, swelling Dorsum of hand CT Surgical treatment
22 64/F 40 Erythema Forearm PET/CT Observation
23 60/M 30 Swelling Dorsum of hand CT Observation
24 61/M 30 Swelling Forearm PET/CT Observation
25 69/F 50 Erythema, swelling Antecubital fossa CT Observation
26 53/M 30 Erythema, swelling Forearm CT Observation

PET: positron emission tomography, CT: computed tomography.

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