Common symptoms include pain, edema and blanching [6]. Patients may also sometimes exhibit different degrees of shock in severe cases. The pain characteristic of phlegmasia cerulea dolens is severe,constant, begins at the femoral triangle and subsequently radiates to the whole extremity. Arterial constriction is not responsible for the blanching, but rather congestion of the venous system as well as subcutaneous edema. Another characteristic finding of phlegmasia cerulea dolens is bluish discoloration, which starts in the distal areas before moving to proximal ones. In addition, extensive fluid extravasation can result in bullae and bleb formation.

Gangrene can sometimes accompany the disease and follows a similar pattern to the cyanosis. Arterial pulses depend on the severity of the gangrene. They may still be detected if the gangrene is superficial, although a pulse deficit results when the muscle comportment is involved. On the other hand, significant swelling may prevent the detection of any pulses.

• Pain

  From scientific Latin phlegmasia caerulea dolens from post-classical Latin phlegmasia + classical Latin caerulea, feminine singular of caeruleus dark blue + dolēns, present participle of dolēre to suffer pain. [en.oxforddictionaries.com]

  The patient will present with a swollen, cyanotic, painful leg that may or may not show signs of venous gangrene. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Images in Clinical Medicine Kalleen Barham, M.D., and Tina Shah, M.D. 8 Citing Articles An 85-year-old woman with newly diagnosed metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer was admitted for pain control. [doi.org]

• Gangrene

  […] phlegmasia cerulea dolens (also phlegmasia caerulea dolens, phlegmasia coerulea dolens ) noun Medicine Pain, swelling, cyanosis, and usually gangrene of a limb, caused by total or near-total venous occlusion, usually of the iliofemoral veins. [en.oxforddictionaries.com]

  Prompt diagnosis and treatment initiation are important to prevent gangrene, amputation, and ultimately death. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  When venous gangrene occurs, it has a similar distribution with the cyanosis. [thehealthscience.com]

• Swelling

  […] phlegmasia cerulea dolens (also phlegmasia caerulea dolens, phlegmasia coerulea dolens ) noun Medicine Pain, swelling, cyanosis, and usually gangrene of a limb, caused by total or near-total venous occlusion, usually of the iliofemoral veins. [en.oxforddictionaries.com]

  […] phlegmasia [ fleg-ma´zhah ] phlegmasia al´ba do´lens phlebitis of the femoral vein, with swelling of the lower limb, usually without redness, a condition that sometimes follows childbirth or an acute febrile illness. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  “Most patients with iliofemoral DVT (IFDVT) present with swelling that involves the entire limb, causing varying degrees of discomfort. [emorysurgicalfocus.com]

  Severe pain, rapid swelling, and bluish-skin coloring affect the area below the blocked vein. Continued clotting can lead to increased swelling. The swelling can interfere with blood flow. This complication is called phlegmasia alba dolens. [nlm.nih.gov]

  A small percentage of these progress to phlegmasia cerulea dolens; a limb and life-threatening condition causing excruciating pain and swelling. [minervamedica.it]

• Severe Pain

  Called also milk leg. phlegmasia ceru´lea do´lens an acute fulminating form of deep venous thrombosis, with pronounced edema and severe cyanosis of the limb. phleg·ma·si·a ce·ru·'le·a do·'lens thrombosis of the veins of a limb, with sudden severe pain [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  Symptoms Severe pain, rapid swelling, and bluish-skin coloring affect the area below the blocked vein. Possible Complications Continued clotting can lead to increased swelling. The swelling can interfere with blood flow. [healthing.ca]

  Clinical Practice Pearls: Suspect PCD clinically in patients with characteristic findings of severe swelling, blue discoloration, severe pain, and paresthesias in the lower extremity. Males are affected more than females 1.5:1. [ebmedicine.net]

  Severe pain, rapid swelling, and bluish-skin coloring affect the area below the blocked vein. Continued clotting can lead to increased swelling. The swelling can interfere with blood flow. This complication is called phlegmasia alba dolens. [nlm.nih.gov]

  It is characterized by sudden severe pain, swelling, cyanosis and edema. Origin Latin, literally "painful blue edema". English Wiktionary. Available under CC-BY-SA license. [yourdictionary.com]

• Inflammation

  Synonym: phlegmasia dolens. (05 Mar 2000) phlegmasia <medicine> An inflammation; more particularly, an inflammation of the internal organs. Phlegmasia dolens [NL], milk leg. Origin: NL, from Gr. See Phlegm. [kmle.co.kr]

  [G. fr. phlegma, inflammation] p. cerulea dolens thrombosis of the veins of a limb, with sudden severe pain with swelling, cyanosis, and edema of the part, followed by … Medical dictionary blue phlebitis — phlegmasia cerulea dolens … Medical dictionary [medicine.academic.ru]

  An inflammation; more particularly, an inflammation of the internal organs. [1913 Webster] {Phlegmasia dolens} (d[=o] l[e^]nz) [NL.], milk leg. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English Phlegmasia — Phleg*ma si*a, n. [translate.academic2.ru]

• Dyspnea

  During the physical examination, the patient is found with stable vital signs, without cardiac arrhythmia, no dyspnea nor chest pain. [heraldopenaccess.us]

  The patient evolved with sudden dyspnea, respiratory arrest, and death 12 hours after hospital admission, probably due to pulmonary embolism. No postmortem examination was performed. DISCUSSION DVT is one of the most common vascular diseases. [scielo.br]

  The patient was hemodynamically stable without chest pain or dyspnea. Venous duplex ultrasound demonstrated occlusive thrombus in the right basilic vein extending into the subclavian vein. [vasculardiseasemanagement.com]

  She also reports that she had moderate effort dyspnea and a low-grade fever for 15 days. She denied the presence of cough, expectoration, and gastrointestinal symptoms. [biomedgrid.com]

• Thrombosis

  Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is a rare form of deep vein thrombosis. A patient with recurrent episodes of such thrombosis caused by protein C deficiency who developed phlegmasia cerulea dolens is reported. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Venous duplex ultrasound of the left lower extremity showed Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) in the left popliteal vein extending into the calf veins. [heraldopenaccess.us]

  In 1938, Gregoire made an outstanding description of the condition and used the term PCD to differentiate ischemia-associated massive venous thrombosis from phlegmasia alba dolens, which describes fulminant venous thrombosis without ischemia. [1] The [thehealthscience.com]

  Tanaka et al. reported that IL-6 could activate the coagulation cascade [6], increasing the risk of thrombosis and complication. [emorysurgicalfocus.com]

• Cyanosis

  […] phlegmasia cerulea dolens (also phlegmasia caerulea dolens, phlegmasia coerulea dolens ) noun Medicine Pain, swelling, cyanosis, and usually gangrene of a limb, caused by total or near-total venous occlusion, usually of the iliofemoral veins. [en.oxforddictionaries.com]

  Look for the “milk leg triad” of Phlegmasia Alba Dolens: pain, swelling, and blanching of skin without cyanosis. In Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens cyanosis happens. Worsening edema and cyanotic skin changes, such as bullae and necrosis, start appearing. [bcemergencynetwork.ca]

  […] and pronounced edema of the extremity and severe cyanosis, purpuric areas, and petechiae; called also blue phlebitis. [medicine.academic.ru]

  Cyanosis is the pathognomonic finding of PCD, progressing from distal to proximal areas. When venous gangrene occurs, it has a similar distribution with the cyanosis. [thehealthscience.com]

  Called also milk leg. phlegmasia ceru´lea do´lens an acute fulminating form of deep venous thrombosis, with pronounced edema and severe cyanosis of the limb. phleg·ma·si·a ce·ru·'le·a do·'lens thrombosis of the veins of a limb, with sudden severe pain [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

• Chest Pain

  pain for 15 days and left lower limb swelling worsening over the past 1 week. [casereports.bmj.com]

  During the physical examination, the patient is found with stable vital signs, without cardiac arrhythmia, no dyspnea nor chest pain. [heraldopenaccess.us]

  The patient was hemodynamically stable without chest pain or dyspnea. Venous duplex ultrasound demonstrated occlusive thrombus in the right basilic vein extending into the subclavian vein. [vasculardiseasemanagement.com]

• Leg Discoloration

  Within several minutes of bladder decompression, the patient's leg discoloration had completely resolved (Figure 2). [amjmed.com]

• Blister

  Slideshow This patient, aged more than 90 years, with a history of atrial fibrillation presented with atypical measles syndrome and sudden changes to both feet, which are cold to touch, with no pulses palpable or by Doppler and blisters that are getting [clinicaladvisor.com]

  [27][28] Grade I = non-complicated (no blistering, strong sensory-motor function and strong distal pulses) Grade II = impending venous gangrene (blistering, weak sensory-motor function and weak distal pulses) Grade III = venous gangrene Epidemiology[ [en.wikipedia.org]

• Erythema

  Unilateral left leg swelling and erythema (A) and phlegmasia cerulea dolens (B) as shown by severe edema, weeping ulcers, and dusky blue appearance distally Morales MH, Leigh CL, Simon EL. [emorysurgicalfocus.com]

  Non-specific physical examination findings of the extremity may include pain, swelling, erythema, prominent superficial veins, pain with passive dorsiflexion, and peripheral cyanosis [2]. [ijcasereportsandimages.com]

  Visual inspection of her LUE revealed mild skin erythema compared to the right side. She had 2+ peripheral pulses throughout and no obvious venous engorgement. [westjem.com]

  She was evaluated 5 days prior for painful erythema of the left thigh of 5 days' duration, which was diagnosed as cellulitis and treated with oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. [jpeds.com]

  Erythema may be present in the overlying skin. The differential diagnosis includes cellulitis and streptococcal lymphangitis. For both conditions, there should be a proximal source (e.g., an open wound). [web.archive.org]

• Stroke

  Diagnosis and management of cerebral venous thrombosis: a statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2011;42(4):1158-92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/STR.0b013e31820a8364. [jvascbras.org]

  […] formatted for quick reference at the point of care Meticulously updated throughout, with new information on interventional oncology, including radioembolizaiton, transarterial chemoembolization, and percutaneous ablation; IVC filter placement and removal; stroke [books.google.de]

  Note: in our case, thrombolysis was contraindicated because of the recent large ischemic stroke. My colleague at TWH has posted a summary of the "Wells Criteria" for the clinical diagnosis of DVT. [chiefmedicalresident.blogspot.com]

  • Developing phlegmasia cerulea dolens after thrombectomy • Excessive bleeding from the incision • Stroke DVT Treatment: Surgery to Place a Vena Cava Filter If you cannot take anticoagulant medications and decide against venous thrombectomy, your doctor [guardian.co.tt]

Overall clinical picture is critical to the diagnosis of phlegmasia cerulea dolens and phlegmasia alba dolens, although duplex ultrasonography and contrast venography are usually used [7]. Technical improvements have increased reliability and have made it easier to assess for proximal deep thrombi with significantly less morbidity. Ultrasonography can now be used to diagnose deep vein thrombosis and monitor patients for the propagation of thrombi. It is also frequently employed when performing diagnostic venography during the initial venipuncture and administration of thrombolytic therapy.

Approximately a quarter of all patients may not be adequately tested with contrast venography because of technical difficulties. This is especially true when severe deep vein thrombosis is simultaneously present, making visualization of the venous system extremely difficult. This problem can be circumvented with descending venography administered through the contralateral femoral vein or through the upper extremity veins.

On the other hand, magnetic resonance venography is a new potential diagnostic modality. It allows the visualization of both the distal and the proximal parts of the thrombus with only one study. However, it also has its disadvantages. It cannot be employed with acutely ill patients, unstable patients and in those who are in extreme pain because of motion artifacts.

Treatment for both phlegmasia and venous gangrene is developing gradually. Current treatment strategies have only resulted in partial success, so new treatments need to be formulated to improve overall outcomes.

Conservative medical treatment is recommended for phlegmasia alba dolens and phlegmasia cerulea dolens not associated with gangrene. These consist of elevation of the extremity, resuscitation with fluids and anticoagulation through heparin infused via the intravenous route. In fact, leg elevation is the optimal nonsurgical method to decrease swelling in the affected extremity.

Heparin is critical in the management of these patients. It can prevent clot formation and embolization, although it does not resolve edema. It is usually administered at a continuous rate of 15 to 18 units per kgs, preceded by an intravenous bolus of 80 to 100 units kg. The activated partial thromboplastin time should be frequently monitored, and treatment should target values 2 to 2.5 times greater than the reference range. In addition, the platelet count should be closely monitored so as not to miss heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Although low molecular weight heparin has been shown to be effective in the management of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, no studies have validated its use in phlegmasia [8]. In case of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, heparin should be immediately stopped and substituted with a different anticoagulant, such as Danaparoid and lepirudin. Risk of thrombocytopenia with danaparoid is not completely eliminated given its cross reactivity with antibodies to heparin in 10 to 19 % cases. After heparin administration, oral therapy with warfarin should be continued for at least six months. Some patients in a hypercoagulable state may require lifelong treatment with anticoagulants.

Thrombolysis is another potential treatment modality. It was first introduced in 1970 by Paquet for the treatment of phlegmasia cerulea dolens [9]. There are different ways to perform thrombolysis. One method involves the insertion of a catheter into the vein, and the administration of urokinase or tissue plasminogen activator through the catheter. The second method proposes the administration of thrombolytic drugs via the arterial route through the common femoral artery. It is hypothesized that the agent will be delivered into the venous system after passing through the capillaries. Evidence suggests that the second method works more effectively in cases of gangrene. Many clinicians suggest placement of a vena cava filter before starting therapy with thrombolytics. A combination of anticoagulation, thrombolysis and heparin infusion is usually the standard of treatment [10].

A wide range of surgical approaches is also available. Urgent decompression of elevated pressure in the venous system can be achieved with surgical thrombectomy. The operation is usually conducted while the patient is in the Trendelenburg position, thus decreasing the risk of a pulmonary embolism. Other methods are also available to decrease the risk of pulmonary embolism such as thrombectomy in combination with transabdominal cavotomy. In addition, to decrease the risk of recurrence, an arteriovenous fistula is created between the greater saphenous vein and the femoral artery. Polytetrafluoroethylene may also be used to reconstruct the veins of the pelvis. These procedures are helpful in cases where there is compression from external structures, damage, or constriction of the proximal iliofemoral vein.

Increased pressure in the fascial compartment can be best treated with fasciotomy alone or in combination with thrombectomy and thrombolysis. Nonetheless, fasciotomy has significant disadvantages because it delays wound healing and a increases the risk of infection.

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) and venous gangrene have a bad prognosis with very high mortality rates of up to 20 and 40%, despite the improvement in the treatment options. The most common cause of death in phlegmasia cerulea dolens is pulmonary embolism, which is responsible for 30% for all mortalities. 

In addition, patients are at a very high risk of losing an extremity, with rates ranging from 12 to 50%. Postphlebitic sequelae can also take place in 60 to 94% of all patients who survive the disease. 

Phlegmasia is most commonly caused by thrombus formation and blockage in venous blood flow. Several factors may ultimately lead to the disease [4]. Malignancy is responsible for around 20 to 40% of all cases of phlegmasia cerulea dolens. In addition, the condition has been especially associated with pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. The enlarged ureters can compress the left common iliac vein against the pelvis, leading to venous obstruction. Some patients, nonetheless, have no identifiable risk factors.

A number of other causative factors are also involved, and these include trauma, surgery, gastroenteritis, heart failure, mitral valve stenosis, May-Thurner syndrome, insertion of a vena caval filter, ulcerative colitis and hypercoagulable syndrome. May-Thurner syndrome occurs when the right iliac artery compresses the left iliac vein.

The exact incidence of phlegmasia cerulea dolens is still unknown. The disease was first described in the 16th century by Fabricius Hildanus and was subsequently differentiated from phlegmasia alba dolens in 1938 by Gregoire [5]. Unlike phlegmasia cerulea dolens, phlegmasia alba dolens involves massive thrombosis but in the absence of ischemia.

In the United States, 600,000 cases of venous thromboembolism are thought to occur every year. Phlegmasia cerulea dolens has been described in every age group but occurs more frequently in the fifth and sixth decades. It is also more common in women than in men.

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens targets both superficial collateral veins and deep veins, leading to severe congestion, fluid extravasation and swelling. In contrast, phlegmasia alba dolens spares collateral veins and thrombosis only occurs in the deep veins of the extremities. 

40% to 60% of cases of phlegmasia cerulea dolens also involve the capillaries. This ultimately leads to irreversible changes that affect the muscle, the subcutaneous tissue as well as the skin. The mechanisms underlying arterial collapse remain controversial but it is thought that the increased interstitial pressure can exert pressure over small arteries, increase resistance to venous outflow and result in shock. Furthermore, some suggest that the mechanisms involve vascular constriction of the resistance vessels.

The increase in hydrostatic pressure within the capillaries leads to fluid extravasation in the amount of 6 to 10 Liters. This occurs within a short duration due to the drastic increase in hydrostatic pressure of about 16 to 17 times in the space of 6 hours. The loss of fluid in the interstitial space can result in circulatory shock in approximately one third of all patients.

Changes in lifestyle play an important role in the prevention of phlegmasia cerulea dolens. Smoking cessation and a regular exercise regimen to lose weight as well as a close monitoring of blood pressure are all considered effective preventive measures. In addition, it is important for the patient to stay active and avoid sitting continuously in the same position. In case the patient is scheduled for surgery, anticoagulation medication should be administered to decrease the postoperative risk of developing blood clots.

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is a rare disease that manifests with extensive thrombosis and clot formation in the venous system. The nomenclature was introduced in 1938 by Gregoire who was able to differentiate it from similar conditions that are also associated with venous thrombosis, but in the absence of ischemia. There are many causes responsible for the disease. One of the most common causative factors is malignancy, accounting for 40% of all cases, although there is a range of disorders that can ultimately lead to the development of phlegmasia cerulea dolens. It is also strongly associated with the third trimester of pregnancy, where the enlarged uterus can compress veins in the pelvis and lead to similar manifestations. Patients usually present with severe pain, blanching and swelling and can progress to life threatening complications [1]. Diagnosis is established clinically but interventional as well as imaging studies can be performed. Treatment is with anticoagulation medication such as heparin and warfarin, in addition to thrombectomy or administration of thrombolytics. Prognosis of phlegmasia cerulea dolens is poor with mortality rates of up to 40% and a risk of amputation in up to 50% of surviving patients [2] [3].

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is a medical condition in which clots can form in the venous system, resulting in the blockage of circulation and in the development of tissue death in severe cases. Causative factors are various, but malignancy accounts for up to 40% of all cases. It is also associated with pregnancy, in which the enlarged uterus can compress veins in the pelvis and result in the formation of clots. Patients usually present with edema of the extremity, continuous pain and blanching of the skin. They may also exhibit various skin manifestations such as blebs or bullae, which signal gangrene, a process that eventually leads to death of the tissue. Diagnosis is established clinically, although interventional as well as imaging modalities can also be used. In particular, the physician may utilize ultrasound, MRI or a procedure in which a contrast agent is injected into the veins, allowing the visualization of the venous structures. Treatment is with medication that prevents clot formation such as heparin and warfarin as well as drugs that dissolve the primary clot. In addition, surgical intervention may be necessary in unstable cases. Prognosis of phlegmasia cerulea dolens is poor with mortality rates reaching 40%. Up to 50% of all surviving patients will require limb amputation.

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10. Rokni Yazdi H, Rostami N, Hakimian H, et al. Successful catheter-directed venous thrombolysis in an ankylosing spondylitis patient with phlegmasia cerulea dolens. Iran J Radiol. 2013 Jun; 10(2):81-5.