Multimodal approach of venous recanalization in patients with a critical limb ischemia due to phlegmasia cerulea dolens: A case series of 17 patients in a single center

Delayed onset phlegmasia cerulea dolens post-SARS-CoV-2 infection treated with minimally invasive clot retrieval technology

Coronavirus disease 2019 is associated with a significant venous thromboembolic risk. Phlegmasia cerulean dolens is a severe form of deep vein thrombosis that can lead to acute limb ischemia. In this report, we present a 58-year-old woman who developed a delayed-onset left lower extremity phlegmasia cerulean dolens 8 weeks after coronavirus disease 2019 onset that led to compartment syndrome and acute limb ischemia from external compression of the arterial vasculature from edematous muscle. The patient received an emergent minimally invasive percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy and four-compartment fasciotomy, resulting in adequate perfusion and ultimately made a full recovery.

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens causing compartment syndrome

BACKGROUND

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) is a rare condition characterized by a severely swollen, cyanotic, blue extremity due to a large proximal (iliofemoral) deep venous thrombosis extending into the collateral veins. Mortality in PCD ranges 20-40%. Due to severely compromised venous drainage, compartment pressures can rapidly increase 16-fold within 6 h, but rarely result in arterial compromise.

CASE REPORT

We present a case of a middle-aged woman with no prior history of deep venous thrombosis, with a blue swollen left leg in intractable severe pain unresponsive to 3 doses of hydromorphone. Her pain was successfully alleviated with IV Lidocaine. Patient was found to have phlegmasia cerulea dolens resulting in compartment syndrome of her left leg. Although the patient initially had no motor function, after catheter-directed thrombolysis and emergent thrombectomy, she regained her motor function and made a full recovery. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Phlegmasia cerulea dolens complicated by severe compartment syndrome is a rare entity. Prompt recognition and treatment are necessary to prevent irreversible limb ischemia and associated morbidity and mortality. IV Lidocaine may be considered as an option for analgesia for such patients.

Stellenwert der operativen multimodalen venösen Thrombektomie bei der Behandlung der akuten iliofemoralen Thrombose

Für das Gros aller Patienten mit tiefer Beinvenenthrombose ist ein konservatives Vorgehen mit Antikoagulation und Kompression die Therapie der Wahl. In ausgewählten Fällen kann jedoch auch ein rekanalisierendes Therapieverfahren zum Einsatz kommen. Dies gilt speziell für besonders ausgedehnte Thrombosen mit Beteiligung der Vena cava oder der Beckenetage. Die multimodale operative Thrombektomie kann ein drohendes postthrombotisches Syndrom abwenden. Die Vorteile der operativen Therapie liegen vor allem in der hohen Effektivität und einer breiten Anwendbarkeit, auch bei Kontraindikation zur Fibrinolysetherapie.