Compartment Syndrome of the hand produced by intravenous phenytoin

Administration of intravenous phenytoin can result in serious damage of the soft tissues. A case is presented, where intravenous administration of phenytoin caused compartment syndrome of the left hand and an early fasciotomy was necessary to restore hand function. Intravenous phenytoin should be given cautiously, with an infusion rate of less than 40 mg/min to avoid extravasation injury.