Sodium-ypochlorite injection in antecubital fossa: A case report and literature review

Caustic cutaneous injections are rare and may result in challenging soft tissue defects necessitating urgent surgical reconstruction to preserve vital structures. We report a unique case of self-inflicted sodium hypochlorite injection to the left antecubital fossa as a suicidal attempt, which resulted in an exposed median nerve and brachial artery. The adventitia of the brachial artery was injured in this case; hence, the risk of an arterial blowout was considerable. After thorough debridement, the defect was reconstructed successfully with a reverse lateral arm flap. Household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) injections are rare and may result in challenging soft tissue defects necessitating urgent surgical reconstruction to preserve vital structures. •Chemical burns are known by their devastating complications.•Suicidal attempts via cutaneous administration of sodium hypochlorite are not well known.•The report signifies the importance of anticipation of complications and to act in advance.