Surgery for the Venous Disaster - Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens

Heart Surg Forum. 2019 Jul 8;22(4):E289-E293. doi: 10.1532/hsf.2461.

Abstract

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is an acute fulminating form of extensive venous thrombosis. Limb loss, post-thrombotic syndrome and life-threatening conditions can occur without appropriate management. Treatment methods vary; there presently is no consensus on the best form of treatment. Endovascular procedures have been a good option for treating deep vein thrombosis, yet they may be insufficient for patients suffering from phlegmasia cerulea dolens. Venous thrombectomy with the guidance of venography quickly relieves symptoms, hardly causes complications, yields optimal mid-term results, and can be a justifiable treatment for phlegmasia cerulea dolens.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angioplasty, Balloon / methods
  • Balloon Embolectomy / instrumentation
  • Balloon Embolectomy / methods
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Femoral Vein
  • Humans
  • Iliac Vein / diagnostic imaging
  • Leg / blood supply*
  • Leg / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Popliteal Vein
  • Thrombectomy / instrumentation
  • Thrombectomy / methods*
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Venous Thrombosis / surgery*