Pseudoaneurysm of the radial artery as a cause of a late compartment syndrome. A case report.

Abstract

Pseudoaneurysm has been reported in the literature as a cause of compartment syndrome. The onset of the subsequent compartment syndrome is usually early. Often, while the compartment syndrome is diagnosed and treated, the pseudoaneurysm is missed. A second operative procedure is then necessary. A 40-year-old woman illustrates an unusual case of a late compartment syndrome, following the development of a radial artery pseudoaneurysm three weeks after a penetrating injury. It is important to investigate the vascular tree in compartment syndromes after a penetrating injury, no matter how late the patient is seen.