Incidence and Characteristics of Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens. A 17- Year, Descriptive Study in a Third-Level Hospital in Madrid

Introduction: Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) presents initially as a triad of pain in the affected limb, oedema and cyanosis. In more advanced cases, venous gangrene, pre-renal shock, arterial insufficiency, and even death. Study objectives were to ascertain the incidence of PCD in our hospital, to compare our patients ́ characteristics with those described in the literature and taper of point of care ultrasound in its diagnosis Material and methods: This was a retrospective, observational, descriptive study. The study period was from July 24th 2002 to April 30th 2019. It was conducted in a third level hospital in Madrid, Spain. Results: Thirty-three patients were diagnosed with PCD, 21 (63.7%) women and 12 men. Mean and median of age was 72 years. Range was from 38 to 89 years. The main association was with cancer, in 19 patients (57.5%), and pulmonary embolism in 9 patients (30%). Our mortality rate was 24%. The incidence of PCD in our study, is about 1:73,000 patients. Conclusion: The incidence of PCD in our hospital was 1:73,000. As soon as the clinical suspicion of PCD is raised, early diagnosis and treatment is crucial, with the aim of saving patient ́s lower limb and life. This is the only point where all publications coincide.