Gluteal compartment syndrome due to rhabdomyolysis after heroin abuse.

Klockgether, T; Weller, M; Haarmeier, T; Kaskas, B; Maier, G; Dichgans, J · Neurology · 1997

case_report · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

We report a 30-year-old man who developed painful swelling of his right leg and complete sciatic nerve palsy after an i.v. injection of heroin. Excessive elevation of serum creatine phosphokinase indicated the presence of rhabdomyolysis. Fasciotomy of the gluteus maximus led to rapid and complete recovery from sciatic nerve palsy. Nontraumatic rhabdomyolysis may cause a gluteal compartment syndrome that requires immediate fasciotomy.

Medical subject headings