title: Phlegmasia cerulea dolens and its association with hypercoagulable states: case reports.
abstract: Six patients who developed phlegmasia cerulea dolens are described. All patients had associated hypercoagulable states: heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (2 patients), congenital deficiency of protein C (1 patient), and antithrombin III deficiency (3 patients). Their clinical course and management are discussed. Previous reports have failed to show a definite correlation between phlegmasia cerulea dolens and hypercoagulable states because of an unavailability of appropriate diagnostic techniques. Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is a life- and limb-threatening complication. An appreciation of underlying hypercoagulable states is essential to proper management, prophylaxis, and treatment of this disorder.
authors.affiliation: Cardiothoracic Surgery Service, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Briggs
authors.forename: H D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Head
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Acher
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D020152:Antithrombin III Deficiency; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020151:Protein C Deficiency; D012307:Risk Factors; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000150:complications*; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*