Compartment syndrome of the forearm and hand after brachial artery cannulation

B rachial artery cannulation is rarely associated with serious complications. Nevertheless, the brachial artery is often occluded after percutaneous cannulation, although recanalization may occur (l-3). Ischemia distal to the site of arterial puncture may be caused by intimal dissection, thrombus formation with or without embolization, arterial transection, or hematoma. The presence of an indwelling arterial catheter may also partially obstruct distal blood flow and decrease local tissue perfusion, resulting in compartment syndrome. We report the case of a patient with multiple traumatic injuries in which brachial artery cannulation was associated with compartment syndrome of the forearm and hand. Removal of the arterial catheter resulted in immediate decrease in compartment pressures, eliminating the need for fasciotomy.