[The administration of intravenous contrast agents: extravasations].

Local extravasation of intravenous contrast material is a relatively common complication that radiologists need to know about. The risk of extravasation is greater in children, the elderly, and unconscious patients. Although most extravasations are mild and do not lead to further complications, some can result in severe lesions that require surgery, especially in cases that are associated with compartment syndrome. We describe the main characteristics of extravasations, comment on different treatments, and propose a protocol for dealing with them.