Inadvertent intra-arterial injection. A problem of drug abuse.

Peripheral ischaemia related to the inadvertent intra-arterial injection of crushed tablets in suspension, was seen in five drug addicts. Characteristic clinical, features were observed including pain, discolouration, oedema, immediate and delayed sensory and motor deficits, and pregangrenous and gangrenous changes distal to the site of injection. Definitive treatment remains to be established, but an approach to management, based upon probable pathophysiological mechanisms, is proposed.