Elastic stocking-induced foot necrosis in a patient with severe pneumonia

Ann Vasc Dis. 2010;3(3):247-50. doi: 10.3400/avd.cr00905. Epub 2010 Dec 25.

Abstract

Elastic stockings (ES) are widely used for the prevention of venous thromboembolism. Here we report a case of foot ulcers induced by ES in patients with pneumonia and hypoxia. A 94-year-old woman was admitted for the treatment of pneumonia. The patient had been wearing an ES because of a history of deep vein thrombosis of the leg. Multiple foot ulcers occurred within 24 hours after the admission despite the absence of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. The ulcers took almost 5 months to heal. For patients with hypoxia, ES may further deteriorate local tissue hypoxia and thus should be used carefully.

Keywords: deep venous thrombosis; elastic stocking; foot ulcer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports