European journal of vascular surgery
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Case Reports
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for ischaemia of the hand due to intra-arterial injection of methadone and flunitrazepam.
We present a case of accidental injection of oral methadone and flunitrazepam into the ulnar artery, with resultant severe ischaemia of the hand. Initial therapy consisted of systemic vasodilators, low molecular weight dextran and aspirin. ⋯ Intra-arterial injection, which is only rarely encountered in drug addicts, frequently results in severe ischaemia of an extremity, and carries with it a poor prognosis with currently accepted therapy. Given the presently reported experience and the known physiology of HBO, we conclude that HBO should be started early in the treatment of intra-arterial injection of drugs, and should also be considered following prolonged delays.