Extensive Soft Tissue Necrosis Due to Extravasation of Computed Tomography Contrast Medium

Abstract

Extravasation of contrast medium is a complication of contrast-enhanced computed tomography studies. Clinical presentations include minimal swelling, erythema and, when the extravasated volume is large, ulceration, compartment syndrome, and skin necrosis. Here we present an 80-year-old woman with progressive swelling and extensive soft tissue necrosis of the dorsal left hand due to contrast medium extravasation. After treatment by skin graft, she showed no long-term complications. Patients at risk for contrast medium extravasation should be closely monitored and appropriately managed.

Topical treatment of tissue damage due to extravasation of iodinated contrast using thermal compresses

“…This procedure requires the intravenous injection of iodinated contrast, which is not without potential complications. The most common adverse events are anaphylaxis and hemostasis reaction [4], although complications caused by extravasation such as compartment syndrome [5] or tissue necrosis [6] have also been described. Despite extravasation being an uncommon adverse event, with a mean incidence of 0.43% [7], there is a lack of consensus for its immediate management to minimize tissue injury and complications [8].…”