Abstract
Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD), a rare condition caused by deep venous thrombosis
of the extremities and characterized by sudden massive edema, severe intractable pain,
and purple ecchymoses, may result in arterial and venous compromise, amputation, and
death. The causes of PCD vary and there is no consensus regarding optimal treatment.
We describe what we believe is the first reported case of PCD in a patient with chronic
myelogenous leukemia. The condition was treated successfully with thromboembolectomy
performed after temporary placement of an inferior vena cava filter to prevent intraoperative
pulmonary embolism. The thromboembolectomy specimen consisted of leukemic tumor emboli.
