Case Report: Blood Pressure Cuff–Associated Compartment Syndrome of the Right Upper Extremity in a Patient With Multiple Comorbidities
Abstract
Compartment syndrome is seen most often in patients who have experienced traumatic injuries. Rarely, compartment syndrome is caused by an atraumatic etiology. We presented a case where a 34-year-old woman developed atraumatic compartment syndrome secondary to a hematoma caused by a noninvasive blood pressure cuff inflation on the right upper extremity. Overnight, the patient experienced worsening pain and swelling, and pulses became diminished. After being evaluated by orthopedic surgery, the patient was taken to the operating room for emergent fasciotomy. A large biceps hematoma was evacuated with the return of the Doppler signal in the distal extremity. This case illustrated the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for potential limb ischemia and compartment syndrome even in the absence of trauma.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Muscle and Compartmental Disorders
Electrolyte and hormonal disorders
Abdominal Surgery and Complications
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 7
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 100344–100344
- Publication date
- 26 February 2026
- Language
- EN