Continuous stellate ganglion block for the effective management of ischemic pain following compartment syndrome of upper limb due to accidental intra-arterial injection

Abstract

In the present era of advanced medicine and patient safe practice, accidental intra-arterial injection of drugs is a rare occurrence. Compartment syndrome (CS) is one of its most detrimental complications, which leads to loss of circulation, ischemia, myonecrosis, nerve damage, and limb loss. Rapid recognition and emergent fasciotomy to relieve the compartment pressure are imperative to prevent irreversible damage. Sympathetic blockade is one of the most common interventions used in the management of early stages of CS, which interferes with the pain cycle and improves distal flow by vasodilatation. We report a complicated case of CS of the right upper limb following accidental intra-arterial injection. The patient suffered with persistent ischemic pain despite surgical decompression, which was successfully managed by continuous stellate ganglion block.

Keywords

• accidental intra-arterial injection
• compartment syndrome
• ischemic pain
• stellate ganglion block
• sympathetic block