Transient vascular insufficiency after axillary brachial plexus block in a child

Axillary block is used in children for procedures on the hand and forearm. We report on a child with an amputation of the thumb in whom an axillary block was given, after which the limb became pale and pulseless. The pulses returned spontaneously in 15 min. The awareness of this possibility and chances of spontaneous recovery should be considered. IMPLICATIONS: Transient vascular insufficiency of the upper limb may happen as a rare complication after axillary block. Knowledge of this complication can help the anesthesiologist in the management of this problem.