Pneumococcal sepsis presenting as acute compartment syndrome of the lower limbs: a case report
2009

Pneumococcal Sepsis and Acute Compartment Syndrome Case Report

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Doddi Sudeendra, Singhal Tarun, Sinha Prakash

Primary Institution: Department of General Surgery, Princess Royal University Hospital

Hypothesis

Can pneumococcal sepsis lead to spontaneous acute compartment syndrome?

Conclusion

Sepsis should be strongly suspected in cases of bilateral acute compartment syndrome with spontaneous onset.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient had a history of vomiting and pain in both legs.
  • Blood cultures confirmed the presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • Fasciotomy was performed to relieve the compartment syndrome.

Takeaway

A man got really sick from a germ and his legs hurt a lot because of a serious condition called compartment syndrome. Doctors had to do surgery to help him.

Methodology

The patient underwent fasciotomy to relieve compartment syndrome, and blood cultures were taken to identify the infection.

Limitations

This is a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

A 40-year-old Caucasian man.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1752-1947-3-55

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