A Case of Refractory Heel Ulcer Complicated by Moderate Osteomyelitis and Cellulitis Successfully Treated with Rheocarna.

Abstract

Revascularization surgery was first considered for the treatment of ulcers in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). However, it may not be indicated for patients with severe infections or peripheral vascular occlusions. Although blood purification therapy is adjuvant therapy for such patients, it is not yet widely used due to insurance coverage. We report a case of a refractory heel ulcer with moderate osteomyelitis and cellulitis that was not amenable to revascularization. Treatment with the adsorptive blood purifier rheocarna® (Kaneka Corporation; Osaka, Japan) resulted in complete epithelialization of the ulcer and control of inflammation. Although this case required careful follow-up, we believe rheocarna might be a promising treatment option for patients with CLI who do not respond to revascularization. Rheocarna could improve peripheral blood flow and control inflammation by improving antibiotic drug delivery.