[Blue phlebitis with exo- and endo-caval filters: 5 case reports]

5 cases of phlegmatia caerula dolens have been observed after the fixation of a cava blocking. You will find below the characteristics of the case reports: Mean age of patients: 69.2, from 55 to 83. Early phlegmatiae caeruleae dolens: 2 cases; late phlegmatiae: 3 cases (3 and 4 years after the cava ligature). Clinical context: advanced age; general state alteration 1 case; artery predisposition: 2 cases; heparin thrombopenia: 1 case. Responsible material: ombrelle de Mobin Uddin: 3 cases; Adams-De Weese's Clip: 2 cases. Current filters are probably less thrombogenous. Nevertheless, these case reports make us aware of the fact that in case of predisposition and/or in case of precary hemodynamic conditions, any factor likely to generate or worsen a venous stasis can originate (immediately or later) a significant thrombosis and, particularly in a few conditions, a phlegmatia caerulea dolens. Consequently, partial cava blocking indications must be seriously taken into consideration and saved for cases in which embolic risk is patent.