Forearm Compartment Syndrome due to Transradial PCI in STEMI: Case Series of What Can Go Wrong and Lesson Learned

Abstract

The trans-radial approach (TRA) is shown to be superior in reducing bleeding complications and associated with lower mortality with a similar procedural success rate in ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) patients compared to the trans-femoral approach. Nevertheless, complications such as forearm hematoma and, in rare cases, acute compartment syndrome (ACS) may develop, thus requiring a prompt surgical procedure. Here, we present two successful emergency fasciotomy cases as ACS treatment following primary percutaneous coronary intervention after STEMI. Both patients show normal neurological and muscular function and normal artery flow on both hands afterward.