Tags: Disease.
Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (literally: painful blue edema) is an uncommon severe form of deep venous thrombosis which results from extensive thrombotic occlusion (blockage by a Thrombus) of the major and the collateral veins of an extremity. It is characterized by sudden severe pain swelling cyanosis and edema of the affected limb. There is a high risk of massive pulmonary embolism even under anticoagulation. Foot gangrene may also occur. An underlying malignancy is found in 50% of cases.