[Monitoring of an acute compartment syndrome of unusual etiology using MRI (magnetic resonance tomography) and MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopy)].

The authors report on an acute compartment syndrome occurring symmetrically in the extensors of both forearms. The etiology of this unique compartment syndrome, not previously described, could be attributed to the inhalation of a propane-butane gas mixture, low in oxygen, while sleeping, in combination with external compression of both forearms, due to the patient's head lying on both forearms while sleeping. Ischemic damage to muscles was precisely located using non-invasive MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). The extent of cellular damage due to ischemia after fasciotomy and healing by secondary intention was quantitatively assessed using non-invasive 31P-MRS (Phosphorus Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy). The results correlate with the clinical and histological findings and indicate a bioenergetic regeneration of the ischemic skeletal muscle's cells.