Spontaneous haemorrhage of chronic varicose ulceration causing ischaemic colitis

Venous ulcers are common and account for the majority of lower limb chronic wounds. Complications may be serious in nature and although haemorrhage is rare, it may be rapidly fatal. The case of a female patient who presented with a spontaneous varicose ulcer haemorrhage causing hypovolaemic ischaemic colitis is described. This case exemplifies the need to identify and manage the development of venous insufficiency before progression to chronic wounds or other disease burdens which may be fatal or life-altering.