[Phlegmasia caerulea dolens: therapeutic considerations]

Phlegmasia caerulea dolens is a rare complication of a deep venous thrombosis and is the result of a massive occlusion of all venous outflow of the extremity. Diagnosis must be made early in the course of the process for treatment effectiveness although it can only produce modest results. The authors analyse retrospectively 3 cases that were treated between 2001 and 2005. The three patients suffered from malignancies (2 from lung and one fom prostate). In all patients a venous thrombectomy was performed and the method employed was described, which includes the systematic use of a caval filter. Two patients coursed with good results, with complete resolution or minor amputation. However, one patient needed an above knee amputation. The authors concluded that the time that mediate to the precise diagnosis and the best option of treatment are important determinations on the results, that however are very dependent on the etiology of this clinical situation.