Vasopressor-induced ischemia of bilateral feet in a previously healthy 34-year-old female

Abstract

Vasopressors are potent vasoconstrictors administered to critically ill patients in order to raise blood pressure after attempts at volume resuscitation fail. These medications, although lifesaving, are not without the risk of serious side effects. Decreased digital perfusion can cause ischemia leading to significant consequences including gangrene and amputation. This study aims to report an unfortunate event involving a previously healthy young female who required vasopressors following a motor vehicle crash resulting in bilateral forefoot gangrene and transmetatarsal amputations. This raises the question of whether prophylactic vasodilatory therapy should be initiated when vasopressors are administered.

Keywords

• Vasopressors
• Perfusion
• Ischemia
• Necrosis
• Gangrene
• Amputation