Utility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Surgical Management of Drug Extravasation: A Case Report

Abstract

We report a case of phenytoin extravasation complicated by eschar formation. Pre-operative MRI study showed a large non-enhancing area over the dorsum of the imaged right wrist and hand corresponding with the site of phenytoin extravasation and raising the suspicion of subcutaneous tissue necrosis. The MRI findings correlated well with the intra-operative findings. We believe that pre-operative MRI in drug extravasation cases can characterise the type of soft tissue injury and define the extent of injury. This helps the surgeon in the surgical approach and treatment options.