Phlegmasia Caerulea Dolens

Endoluminal Recanalization in a Patient with Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens Using a Multimodality Approach

“…5 Mortality has been reported in up to 25% of cases of PCD, 6 with PE responsible for 30% of deaths. 7 Historically, the treatment of PCD included rapid passive exercise, 8 sympathetic block, 9 and occasionally fasciotomy. 10 Currently, initial management is the same as for standard DVT and consists of anticoagulation, compression stockings, and leg elevation.…”

Endoluminal Recanalization in a Patient with Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens Using a Multimodality Approach

“…Although it can occur at any age, it is most common in the sixth decade, particularly in the left lower extremity, but as much as 5% of cases involve the upper extremities. 5 Traditionally, the treatment of PCD has been inadequate with a high failure rate and has progressed from rapid passive exercise 6 to sympathetic block, 7 heparin, 8 and fasciotomy. 9 The first case of PCD treated with thrombectomy was credited to Leriche and Geisendorf in 1939.…”

Massive Venous Thrombosis With Pulmonary Embolism

“…6 It is generally agreed that this picture appears only when almost the whole venous drainage of the limb is obstructed, although venospasm may contribute to the obstruction in some cases. 7,8 Experimentally, gangrene has only been produced by blocking nearly all the veins draining the part.4,9,10 There is commonly malignant disease or inflammation in the pelvis, and some cases have followed venous ligation or the injection of varicose veins. The left leg is involved more than twice as often as the right, possibly because the left common iliac vein is crossed by the right common iliac artery.11…”