Full-thickness skin necrosis after arginine extravasation--a case report and review of literature

Abstract

The arginine test is highly useful in the evaluation of short-stature children and adolescents. Extravasation of arginine can cause full-thickness skin necrosis that requires serious surgical intervention with aesthetic and functional sequellea. The authors describe a case of distal forearm skin necrosis caused by arginine extravasation that was treated by wide debridement and a combination of groin flap and later with split-thickness skin graft. The authors emphasize the need for early and active management of arginine extravasation injuries.