Acute compartment syndrome — ACEM Fellowship MCQ

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HardMusculoskeletal/Orthopaedic emergenciesAcute compartment syndromeACEM Fellowship

A swimmer in northern Australia develops severe back pain, vomiting, sweating and hypertension 30 minutes after a minor jellyfish sting. Which syndrome is most likely?

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Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Irukandji syndrome

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · A = shown as D · D = shown as E

B is correct. Severe pain, autonomic symptoms and vomiting after a northern-Australian jellyfish sting are characteristic of Irukandji syndrome. A and D follow fish ingestion. C follows pressure change. E causes local painful welts without this systemic syndrome.

Reference: Queensland Poisons Information Centre: Sea creature bites and stings: https://www.poisonsinfo.health.qld.gov.au/bites-and-stings/sea-creature-bites-and-stings