Forearm Compartment Syndrome Following Intravenous Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Minor and major bleeding complications have occurred following thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke. However, compartment syndrome has not been reported among these incidences.

Methods And Results: This article presents a case of a forearm compartment syndrome in a patient with stroke who had fallen at the time of the infarction and was treated with tissue plasminogen activator. We wish to forewarn clinicians who may encounter similar cases.

Conclusion: Patients suffering from stroke who fall are at risk of developing a compartment syndrome; the early diagnosis is often difficult, the sequelae can be devastating, and wrestling with the benefits and risks of reversing the coagulopathy in the acute phase of a cerebral infarction is a challenge.