Deep vein thrombosis in an elderly patient with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia presented with limb swelling: The role of diagnostic tools and surgical dilemma

Abstract

Leg and foot swelling is inherently found in 70% of patients with critical limb-threatening ischaemia due to ischaemia, which does not necessitate any specific intervention. Unilateral leg swelling is a vital sign for the clinical suspicion and diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and phlegmasia. There is a significant surgical dilemma to delay the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis or phlegmasia in patients with critical limb-threatening ischaemia when a methodical approach is not followed. We report a case of proximal deep vein thrombosis in an elderly patient with ipsilateral critical limb-threatening ischaemia and discuss the role of diagnostic tools. The role of antiplatelets along with vitamin K antagonists, duration of anticoagulation, iliocaval venous obstruction, compression therapy and inferior vena cava filter is discussed.