Venous gangrene associated with COVID-19: Successful limb preservation strategies with optimal wound management

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, high rates of arterial and venous thromboembolic (VTE) events were noted in association with increased rates of major amputation. VTE appears to be a significant source of morbidity and mortality for this patient population and numerous methods have been described to achieve limb salvage. Nevertheless, best management remains unclear. We describe the case of a 60-year-old male with severe venous gangrene secondary to a non-occlusive mid-femoral and occlusive infrapopliteal deep venous thromboses associated with COVID-19 infection who ultimately underwent meticulous local wound care and transmetatarsal amputation, which allowed for maximal preservation of foot function and limb salvage.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• Amputation
• Deep venous thrombosis
• Venous gangrene
• Wound care
• Limb salvage