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Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2020

01-12-2020 | Compartment Syndrome | Case report

Hoffmann’s syndrome necessitating forearm fasciotomy: a case report

Authors: Erling Aarsæther, Ragnar Joakimsen, Hanne Halvorsen, Trude Sildnes, Olav Sivertsen, Jan Due

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

Hoffmann’s syndrome is a rare form of hypothyroid myopathy. Only a few cases of fasciotomy in this setting have previously been reported.

Case presentation

A 41-year-old Caucasian man under treatment for hypothyroidism presented with acute-onset severe pain in his forearm for no obvious reason and was admitted to our emergency room. He eventually developed compartment syndrome which necessitated surgical decompression. Soon after surgery he complained of similar symptoms in his calves. By the time his hypothyroid status was confirmed, conservative treatment and orally administered levothyroxine gradually made the pain from his calves disappear, without further surgical treatment.

Conclusion

Hoffmann’s syndrome may precipitate a compartment syndrome in the absence of trauma.
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Metadata
Title
Hoffmann’s syndrome necessitating forearm fasciotomy: a case report
Authors
Erling Aarsæther
Ragnar Joakimsen
Hanne Halvorsen
Trude Sildnes
Olav Sivertsen
Jan Due
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-020-2351-x

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