Phlegmasia cerulea dolens: a swelling, cyanosis and discolouration of the extremity in the ICU

Abstract

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is a rare entity that causes critical limb ischaemia, which may lead to amputation of the limb and may be life-threatening. Here, we describe a case of a healthy man in his 50s with multiple trauma who was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a central hospital for neuromonitoring following splenectomy for the stabilisation of a hypovolaemic shock. On admission to the ICU, the patient developed a swollen and white leg. The condition was caused by early compromised arterial flow secondary to extensive deep vein thrombosis.

Keywords: Adult intensive care; Cardiovascular medicine; Trauma; Venous thromboembolism.