MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Phlegmasia cerulea dolens

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Symptoms Exams and Tests	Treatment Possible Complications When to Contact a Medical Professional

Illustrations

Venous blood clot

Definition Return to top

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

Symptoms Return to top

Below the blocked vein, phlegmasia cerulea dolens produces swelling, bluish color, and pain.

Exams and Tests Return to top

See deep venous thrombosis.

Treatment Return to top

See deep venous thrombosis.

Possible Complications Return to top

As clotting in the vein continues, there may be increased swelling. The swelling can cause an overall disturbance of the circulation in the limb, affecting both the arteries and the veins. This complication is called phlegmasia alba dolens, which may lead to gangrene and require amputation.

When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top

See your health care provider, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or get to an emergency room immediately if an arm or leg is seriously swollen, blue, and painful.

Update Date: 10/30/2006

Updated by: William Matsui, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.