Lumbar paraspinal rhabdomyolysis and compartment syndrome after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Abstract Lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome is an extremely uncommon condition that is known to occur after strainful exercise or trauma. We report on the original case of a 55-year-old man in whom lumbar paraspinal rhabdomyolysis and compartment syndrome developed after open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, documented with technetium Tc 99m bone scan and computed tomographic imaging, and in whom successful complete recovery was achieved with conservative management. Clinical features, pathophysiology, and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of this unusual adverse event are discussed. (J Vasc Surg 2003;37:198-201.)