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Phlegmasia cerulea dolens

Deep vein thrombosis - Phlegmasia cerulea dolens; DVT - Phlegmasia cerulea dolens; Phlegmasia alba dolens

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is an uncommon, severe form of deep venous thrombosis (blood clots in the vein). It most often occurs in the upper leg.

Causes

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is preceded by blood clots in a vein, usually a deep vein of the leg.

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 arterial blood flow. This complication is called phlegmasia alba dolens. It causes the skin to turn white. Phlegmasia alba dolens may lead to tissue death (gangrene) and the need for amputation.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Seek medical help right away if an arm or leg is severely swollen, blue, or painful.

Open References

References

Johanning J, Thompson JR, Lynch TG. Clinical evaluation of the venous and lymphatic systems. In: Sidawy AN, Perler BA, eds. Rutherford's Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, 2-Volume Set. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 20.

Kabrhel C. Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 74.

  • Venous blood clot

    Venous blood clot - illustration

    Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) affects mainly the veins in the lower leg and the thigh. It involves the formation of a clot (thrombus) in the larger veins of the area.

    Venous blood clot

    illustration

  • Venous blood clot

    Venous blood clot - illustration

    Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) affects mainly the veins in the lower leg and the thigh. It involves the formation of a clot (thrombus) in the larger veins of the area.

    Venous blood clot

    illustration

 

Review Date: 3/31/2024

Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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