Risk Factors And Causes Of Compartment Syndrome

Blood Clots In Arm Or Leg

Some individuals affected by compartment syndrome develop it due to blood clots in their arm or leg. A blood clot is a plug the body forms in response to blood vessel injury to stop bleeding. Several components in an individual's blood are responsible for carrying out the clotting process when necessary. However, some individuals have blood that may form inappropriate clots for no functional purpose due to another disorder or an unknown mechanism. Clots can form in the veins or arteries of an individual's arm or legs. The formation of a clot in a deep vein of an affected individual's leg obstructs the flow of blood back to the heart. This blockage causes the blood to accumulate in the affected limb. When blood accumulates to the extent where it is pushing other tissues against the connective tissue or fascia, the pressure inside can increase and cause compartment syndrome. On the other hand, a blood clot that develops in an individual's artery within the arm or leg can also obstruct blood flow to surrounding tissues. However, the blood in arteries is rich with oxygen and nutrients the cells need. When the cells do not get these nutrients due to a blood clot, they become damaged. The damaged cells summon an immune response that causes inflammation and swelling in the affected area. This inflammatory swelling can also result in the development of compartment syndrome.

Sepsis

Sepsis can cause an affected individual to develop compartment syndrome. Sepsis occurs when an individual's body produces a severe response to an infection. Common precipitators of sepsis include infections that affect the digestive system, bladder, kidney, bloodstream, and lungs. The immune system has an extreme and unbalanced response to one of these infections and results in systemic inflammation that can cause damage to numerous organ systems around the patient's body. Sepsis is most commonly associated with compartment syndrome in an individual's abdomen. Swelling from widespread inflammation of the organs and tissues in the abdomen causes the flow of blood to become compromised in the smallest blood vessels. This malfunction leads to a buildup of fluid in the interstitial space due to fluid exudation from blood vessels. As displaced fluid accumulates in the compartment containing all of the abdominal organs, the pressure against the fascia increases and compartment syndrome is the result.