An unusual presentation of aplastic anaemia: compartment syndrome

This is a case of a previously fit and healthy 17-year-old man presenting with atraumatic forearm compartment syndrome. On his initial blood film, he was found to have a pancytopenia and was subsequently diagnosed with aplastic anaemia. His compartment syndrome was treated with urgent fasciotomy after correction of his pancytopenia. He made a good functional recovery with only a very minor deficit, and no recurrence of his compartment syndrome. He has undergone a successful bone marrow transplant for treatment of his aplastic anaemia.