
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Phlegmasia alba dolens
Introduction
Phlegmasia alba dolens, also called as “milk leg”, is an extensive thrombosis of the ileofemoral veins leading to complete obstruction of the venous flow in sep veins. This is an acute process and usually occurs after child birth because of the compression of the left iliac vein by the enlarged uterus. This process is associated with excruciating pain, swelling, ulceration, and development of wet gangrene. It is also referred to as “milk leg” because of the whitish discoloration secondary to venous outflow obstruction. If urgent treatment in not given, superficial venous system will also get involved and and lead to Phlegmasia cerulea dolens, which can be limb and/or life threatening.
Editor-In-Chief: Editors-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. : Kashish Goel, M.D.
