Fact-sheet: Extravasation of intra venous contrast
Updated on 09/17/2021 at 12:16 PM
View all RADEOS cases associated with this fact-sheet
Definition
Extravasation of contrast material into the soft tissues after IV injection
Management
Immediately:
- Immediate cessation of the injection if the patient complains or
a problem is suspected.
- Attempted aspiration of the contrast material through the catheter, left in place initially, then, after removal, manual expression of the skin.
- Elevation of the affected limb for the following three hours, in cases of potential severity.
- Application of ice (for at least 20 minutes; then every hour for 6 hours) without direct contact between the ice and the limb
Assessment of potential severity:
- Estimation of the injected volume.
- Estimation of the extent and location of the extravasation by
obtaining limb radiographs.
- Search for signs of poor tolerance through clinical, vascular,
and neurological examination: taut or blistered skin appearance, marked edema, distal perfusion abnormalities (Compartment syndrome): paresthesias, worsening segmental pain, hypoesthesia, decreased muscle strength, diminished pulses --> specialized surgical consultation.
