Pneumococcal sepsis presenting as acute compartment syndrome of the lower limbs: a case report.

INTRODUCTION

Acute compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency requiring immediate fasciotomy. Spontaneous onset of acute compartment syndrome of the lower limbs is rare. We present a very rare case of pneumococcal sepsis leading to spontaneous acute compartment syndrome.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-year-old Caucasian man presented as an emergency with spontaneous onset of pain in both legs and signs of compartment syndrome. This was confirmed on fasciotomy. Blood culture grew Streptococcus pneumoniae.

CONCLUSION

Sepsis should be strongly suspected in bilateral acute compartment syndrome of spontaneous onset.