Conclusion

As modern medicine and diagnostics continue to advance, an increase in complications such as the extravasation of contrast media and intravenous medications is being reported. ACS remains a surgical emergency, regardless of its etiology or anatomical location, and must be assessed and treated with urgency. Although no strict universal guidelines exist for the conservative management of limbs affected by subcutaneous extravasation, such measures should be initiated promptly alongside close clinical monitoring. If ACS begins to develop, a fasciotomy must be performed without delay. Our cases demonstrate that in equivocal or early-stage presentations where ACS is not yet fully developed, simple decompression incisions in the affected area—specifically decompression of the carpal tunnel in our experience—may be sufficient to relieve symptoms and prevent the progression of the syndrome. However, when a patient presents with a clear clinical manifestation of fully developed ACS, emergency fasciotomy remains mandatory to ensure a favorable outcome.