Successful Treatment of Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens by Surgical Thrombectomy: A Case Report

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) is a rare, life-threatening manifestation of deep vein thrombosis that can clinically resemble acute arterial occlusion. Accurate differentiation is essential for appropriate management. Delayed-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography is particularly valuable in distinguishing between these two conditions. Here, we report the case of an 86-year-old man who presented with suspected acute limb ischemia, subsequently diagnosed with PCD by contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The patient was successfully treated with emergency surgical venous thrombectomy, followed by postoperative anticoagulant therapy.