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

## TL;DR

A rare case of PCD was correctly diagnosed and successfully treated with emergency surgery and anticoagulant therapy.

## Contribution

This case highlights the successful use of surgical thrombectomy for treating PCD after accurate diagnosis with CT.

## Key findings

- Contrast-enhanced CT accurately diagnosed PCD in an 86-year-old man.
- Emergency surgical thrombectomy effectively treated the condition.
- Postoperative anticoagulant therapy was essential for recovery.

## Abstract

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.