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Acute exertional compartment syndrome in the setting of anabolic steroids: An unusual cause of bilateral footdrop
Author(s) -
Liem Nathania R.,
Bourque Pierre R.,
Michaud Claudine
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.20314
Subject(s) - medicine , compartment (ship) , compartment syndromes , ischemia , electromyography , magnetic resonance imaging , anabolism , anatomy , anesthesia , surgery , cardiology , radiology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , oceanography , analgesic , geology
Abstract Acute exertional compartment syndrome is the result of muscle ischemia within a tight fascial compartment. We report a 22‐year‐old boxer, with recent intake of anabolic steroids, who developed acute exertional compartment syndrome of the lower legs following an assault from which he had to run away. He presented with bilateral footdrop. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) were consistent with bilateral deep and superficial peroneal neuropathies, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated hemorrhagic necrosis of the pretibial muscles. This case illustrates that the differential diagnosis for footdrop includes not only central and peripheral nervous system and muscle causes, but also compartment syndromes. Muscle Nerve, 2005