Ischemic injury of the hand from intra-arterial propylhexedrine injection

Abuse, Toxicology and the Resurgence of Propylhexedrine: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Propylhexedrine, the active ingredient in over-the-counter nasal decongestants, carries significant abuse potential for users seeking psychostimulant effects. Historically, propylhexedrine was perceived to have a good safety profile resulting in endorsement of it replacing the highly abused amphetamine sulfate as the active ingredient in nasal decongestants in 1949. While much of the published literature concerning its psychoactive potential comes from the 1970s and 1980s, we have encountered several recent cases of toxidrome secondary to its abuse. Awareness of the hazards associated with this pharmaceutical should be of interest to physicians of all specialties who are likely to encounter such cases, as well and legislators interested in exerting regulatory control. Here we review all existing literature concerning this pharmaceutical compound.

Acute radial artery ischemia following therapeutic steroid injection

Intra-arterial corticosteroid injection at the wrist can have devastating consequences. Anatomic arterial variation of the hand can lead to atypical presentation. A careful history and examination, with appropriate investigations, can lead to an accurate diagnosis in such difficult cases.

Complications after unintentional intra-arterial injection of drugs: risks, outcomes, and management strategies

Unintentional intra-arterial injection of medication, either iatrogenic or self-administered, is a source of considerable morbidity. Normal vascular anatomical proximity, aberrant vasculature, procedurally difficult situations, and medical personnel error all contribute to unintentional cannulation of arteries in an attempt to achieve intravenous access. Delivery of certain medications via arterial access has led to clinically important sequelae, including paresthesias, severe pain, motor dysfunction, compartment syndrome, gangrene, and limb loss. We comprehensively review the current literature, highlighting available information on risk factors, symptoms, pathogenesis, sequelae, and management strategies for unintentional intra-arterial injection. We believe that all physicians and ancillary personnel who administer Intravenous therapies should be aware of this serious problem.

[Digital necrosis associated with fenoxazoline poisoning. Apropos of a case and review of the literature]

We report the case of a 53 year-old woman with paroxystic hypertension and digital ischemia. The only triggering factor was chronic intoxication by a nasal vasoconstrictor:fenoxazoline. The worsening of the lesions required amputation of the third phalanx of the 3rd and 5th finger and the pulp of the 4th finger of the left hand. The review of literature exhibits association between fenoxazoline intoxication and paroxystic hypertension, myocardial ischemia or stroke, but association between fenoxazoline intoxication and digital ischemia has never been reported. We emphasize the extreme caution necessary with the prescription and the chronic consumption of this kind of drug.