Compartment Syndrome of the Hand Induced by Peripherally Extravasated Phenylephrine.

Compartment syndrome of the hand is a rare and devastating complication of peripheral intravenous extravasation. With changes in critical care research, vasoactive medications are now more frequently administered through peripheral lines in the acute setting. We present the case of a patient diagnosed with compartment syndrome of the hand secondary to phenylephrine extravasation in the setting of hypovolemic shock. The use of fasciotomy compartment release and intraoperative phentolamine resulted in significant improvement in tissue perfusion postoperatively. With incraesed incidence of peripherally administered vasoactive medications, the hand surgeon should be aware of potential complications and treatment of compartment syndrome with urgent fasciotomy and phentolamine administration.