phlegmasia alba dolens

Last reviewed 01/2018

Phlegmasia alba dolens presents as a large, swollen and painful limb made pale by severe oedema. It is frequently caused by a deep vein thrombosis. Often, there is an associated lymphangitis.

This condition was known as the white leg of pregnancy. The limb is warm with detectable pulses despite the oedema. It is in contrast to the limb affected by arterial occlusion.