Below Elbow Amputation Due to Ischemic Complications after Radial Artery Cannulation: A Case Report

Abstract

The patient is a 57 year old male with peripheral vascular disease and a non-healing thumb wound. After radial artery catheterization (RAC), he developed pain and numbness in the radial-sided 3.5 fingers and pulse oximetry readings <80%. With a possible diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome due to increased pressure, the patient underwent a carpal tunnel release (CTR) one week after the catheterization and reported immediate pain relief. Unfortunately, his wound failed to heal, and his pain returned one week later. Another operation was performed to decompress the carpal tunnel; however, the pain worsened, and fingertip necrosis progressed, including the thumb, index, and middle fingers. An angiogram showed arterial calcifications, ruling out reperfusion of the hand. A trans-forearm amputation was performed. This case highlights overlapping symptoms of ischemia and median nerve compression as well as the risk of hand ischemia after RAC in those with circulatory compromise.