Papers of the Week

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) is a rare condition characterized by a severely swollen, cyanotic, blue extremity due to a large proximal (iliofemoral) deep venous thrombosis extending into the collateral veins. Mortality in PCD ranges 20-40%. Due to severely compromised venous drainage, compartment pressures can rapidly increase 16-fold within 6 h, but rarely result in arterial compromise.