Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology  2011;9(2):101-104

Nicolau Syndrome following Diclofenac Injection in an Emergency Department.

Sangwon CHUNG 1 ; Jihoon KANG ; Junmo YEO ; Jaiwoog KO

Affiliations

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Keywords

Diclofenac; Injections; Adverse effect; Wounds; Soft tissue injury

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Nicolau syndrome is a rare adverse reaction at the site of an intramuscular injection, and is characterized by severe pain immediately after the injection and rapid development of distinct skin lesions. As this syndrome is rare, it may be overlooked at the early clinical phase and subsequently, clinical outcomes may be worse due to delay in treatment. We report on a female who developed Nicolau syndrome following intramuscular diclofenac injection, which required surgical reconstruction. Understanding the characteristics of Nicolau syndrome and careful surveillance for relevant clinical features may help physicians to more quickly diagnose and treat this condition.