Epirubicin extravasation: consequences of delayed management

Abstract

Epirubicin is an anthracycline chemotherapy agent used for treatment of several cancers including oesophageal, breast and gastric. Extravasation is a well-recognised and serious complication of any intravenous therapies but especially chemotherapeutic agents. Signs of the injury can be subtle and without prompt recognition and treatment there can be extensive tissue damage and depending on location of injury this can result in significant functional loss. In this article, a case of delayed management of epirubicin extravasation from a cannula situated at the dorsum of the hand is discussed. Successful surgical reconstruction of the resulting substantial tissue damage using a radial forearm flap 21 days following injury is described.