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Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Labor Management Through Electromyometrial Imaging for Understanding Uterine Contractions
Published on: May 26, 2023
Phlegmasia cerulea dolens and compartment syndrome secondary to uterine lipoleiomyoma
Sarah Qureshy1, Susan Basharkhah2, Maneesha Chitanvis2
1Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY.
Insights
A massive uterine fibroid caused a rare condition called phlegmasia cerulea dolens. This required urgent vein thrombectomy and fasciotomy, followed by further procedures and anticoagulation for symptom resolution.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Thrombosis Management
Background:
- Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is a rare, severe form of deep vein thrombosis.
- Iliac vein compression can lead to limb ischemia and requires prompt intervention.
- Uterine lipoleiomyomas are benign tumors that can rarely cause significant venous compression.
Abstract:
In this report, we describe the case of a woman with phlegmasia cerulea dolens of the lower left extremity secondary to iliac vein compression by a massive uterine lipoleiomyoma. She underwent left iliofemoral vein mechanical thrombectomy for prevention of critical limb ischemia days before a total abdominal hysterectomy. Immediately after thrombectomy, she developed compartment syndrome, requiring four-compartment fasciotomy. She developed recurrent thrombosis of the left iliac vein and inferior vena cava, requiring further thrombectomy at the time of hysterectomy before placement of an infrarenal inferior vena cava filter. She later underwent fasciotomy incision closure and was discharged on anticoagulation with resolution of her symptoms.
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