Congenital tourniquet syndrome is also possible! About two premature infants

Abstract

Introduction: Tourniquet syndrome (TS) is the constriction of a body appendage by a hair (strangulation hair syndrome), textile or other tie. Affecting mainly the toes and fingers, the constriction may result in ischaemic necrosis. Objective: To describe the tourniquet syndrome through two observations, one of which is an original congenital case. Observation 1: Male first twin premature infant at 34 weeks with right heel strangulated by a migrating cerclage wire. Normal heel recovered after 10 days. Observation 2: Male infant at 4 months with 4th right toe strangulated by mother's hair, removal saved the toe from ischaemic necrosis. Conclusion: Tourniquet syndrome is a rare diagnostic and therapeutic emergency. Its occurrence at birth by a cerclage wire on the heel has never been described.