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Case Reports
. 2014 Jan 17:2014:bcr2013201689.
doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-201689.

Non-traumatic compartment syndrome secondary to deep vein thrombosis and anticoagulation

Peter Alexander Newman  1 , Sunny Deo
Affiliations
Case Reports

Non-traumatic compartment syndrome secondary to deep vein thrombosis and anticoagulation

Peter Alexander Newman et al. BMJ Case Rep. .

Abstract

We describe an unusual case of non-traumatic compartment syndrome in three compartments of the left lower limb in a 57-year-old male inpatient. He had recently been started on anticoagulation therapy for multiple pulmonary emboli and deep vein thrombosis of the left posterior tibial and peroneal veins. Three of the four osteofascial compartments had pressures above 70 mm Hg, hence four compartment fasciotomies were performed. Postoperatively, intravenous heparin therapy was started resulting in a significant blood loss, but he had no neurovascular deficit. At reoperation, for primary wound closure, his tissues looked healthy. Non-traumatic causes of acute compartment syndrome, including deep venous thrombosis and anticoagulation, are considered.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Lateral aspect of the left ankle and calf demonstrating skin changes.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Medial aspect of the left foot and ankle demonstrating skin changes.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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