Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Extravasation Of The Contrast At The Injection Site?
Question: I had a ct scan (abdomen) with contrast done today. This is the 2nd time. I had one done 6 months ago, so I knew what to expect.
During the procedure, when the contrast solution went through the IV into my arm, the muscles in the forearm started to spasm to the point where my fingers were contorting. This was very painful and lasted about 10 seconds. After the procedure and for a few hours, there was a swollen lump of tissue next to the injection site. 6 months ago the same CT scan was totally different. There was a little warmth in the arm, and a heat sensation in the groin area that was expected. My question is why my 2nd experience was so different from the first. Did something go wrong during the procedure?
Brief Answer:
Possible extravasation of contrast material
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
There might have been extravasation of the contrast at the injection site. This can happen due to many reasons.
1. The needle was not inserted properly and held in position tight enough.
2. The pressure injector injected the contrast material too fast.
3. You might have moved your arm by mistake which led contrast to extravasate.
Whatever the cause, observe the swelling for a while. If there is severe pain then please tell your doctor.
You may keep me informed is if you need more information.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you, that's what I suspected. The nurse had problems inserting the IV and the catheter was painful in my arm, even before the contrast flowed out. Today I have bruising in an area 4 cm above and 4 cm below my elbow crease. The swelling has mostly gone down and it is a little tender. Could there be any temporary or permanent damaged to the veins, tendons or muscle tissue cause by the extravasate of the contrast?
Brief Answer:
No damage to veins, muscles or tendons
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You are welcome and thanks for writing back with an update.
I would have liked to see a picture of your arm to know your condition better and see for any discoloration which could mean there is mild inflammation with possible superficial thrombophlebitis. You may attach a picture of your affected arm with your query.
It is recommended that you apply ice pack or anti inflammatory ointment and observe for decrease in swelling. If there is any purplish discoloration of the skin then please apply heparin ointment gently over the area.
There will not be any temporary or permanent damage to your veins, tendons or muscles. Just a little inflammation which will disappear in three days to a week.
Do write back with a picture of your arm.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you!
Please see the attached photo. The swelling has gone down, but mainly just discoloration and tenderness.
I uploaded a photo.
Brief Answer:
Please find detailed reply below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You are welcome and thanks for writing back with an update.
I saw the picture attached, it is healing and a little amount of superficial thrombophlebitis (a harmless but slightly painful self limiting condition) has developed.
As mentioned earlier, you may gently apply heparin ointment to heal superficial thrombophlebitis and diclofenac gel for the pain. Your skin should get back to normal in a week or two.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
