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. 2009 Feb 9:3:55.
doi: 10.1186/1752-1947-3-55.

Pneumococcal sepsis presenting as acute compartment syndrome of the lower limbs: a case report

Sudeendra Doddi  1 , Tarun Singhal, Prakash Sinha
Affiliations

Pneumococcal sepsis presenting as acute compartment syndrome of the lower limbs: a case report

Sudeendra Doddi et al. J Med Case Rep. .

Abstract

Introduction: Acute compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency requiring immediate fasciotomy. Spontaneous onset of acute compartment syndrome of the lower limbs is rare. We present a very rare case of pneumococcal sepsis leading to spontaneous acute compartment syndrome.

Case presentation: A 40-year-old Caucasian man presented as an emergency with spontaneous onset of pain in both legs and signs of compartment syndrome. This was confirmed on fasciotomy. Blood culture grew Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Conclusion: Sepsis should be strongly suspected in bilateral acute compartment syndrome of spontaneous onset.

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