# Case Report: Blood Pressure Cuff–Associated Compartment Syndrome of the Right Upper Extremity in a Patient With Multiple Comorbidities

## TL;DR

A 34-year-old woman developed a rare case of compartment syndrome in her arm due to a blood pressure cuff, highlighting the need for vigilance in non-traumatic cases.

## Contribution

Reports a rare case of atraumatic compartment syndrome caused by a blood pressure cuff in a non-trauma patient.

## Key findings

- The patient developed a large biceps hematoma from blood pressure cuff inflation.
- Emergent fasciotomy restored distal blood flow and resolved symptoms.
- The case emphasizes the importance of recognizing non-traumatic compartment syndrome.

## Abstract

Compartment syndrome is seen most often in patients who have experienced traumatic injuries. Rarely, compartment syndrome is caused by an atraumatic etiology. We presented a case where a 34-year-old woman developed atraumatic compartment syndrome secondary to a hematoma caused by a noninvasive blood pressure cuff inflation on the right upper extremity. Overnight, the patient experienced worsening pain and swelling, and pulses became diminished. After being evaluated by orthopedic surgery, the patient was taken to the operating room for emergent fasciotomy. A large biceps hematoma was evacuated with the return of the Doppler signal in the distal extremity. This case illustrated the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for potential limb ischemia and compartment syndrome even in the absence of trauma.