This article is an answer to the Case – Pain and Swelling of the Left Thigh and Lower Leg
Computed tomography performed after the administration of contrast material showed partial thrombosis of the inferior vena cava and complete thrombosis of the left common iliac, common femoral, superficial femoral, and deep femoral veins.
Anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin was initiated, and emergency fasciotomy was performed to treat the acute compartment syndrome.
The postoperative course was complicated by reperfusion injury with shock and acute kidney injury. The patient underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and catheter-directed thrombolysis.
Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is a rare syndrome caused by acute, extensive venous thrombosis. Prompt diagnosis is crucial for limb salvage and to minimize morbidity.
The patient’s condition improved, and he recovered renal function. After 25 days of hospitalization, he was discharged while receiving rivaroxaban. Subsequent evaluation that included age-appropriate cancer screening did not reveal the cause of this extensive clotting.
SIMILAR CASE: Unilateral Leg Swelling and Bluish Discoloration
