Phlegmasia cerulea dolens of the upper extremity treated with anticoagulation and leech therapy

Abstract

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is a serious manifestation of venous thrombosis that has a high risk of morbidity and mortality. If not promptly treated on presentation, progressive extremity ischemia and potential gangrene can lead to emergency amputation of the affected limb. Most commonly, the lower extremities are affected, and reports of upper extremity phlegmasia are scarce. We report the successful treatment of phlegmasia cerulea dolens of the distal upper extremity using leech therapy combined with anticoagulation.

Keywords

• Deep vein thrombosis
• Phlegmsia
• Phlegmasia cerulea dolens
• Leech therapy
• Upper extremity