Concomitant Venous Thrombosis in Cellulitis of the Upper Extremity

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Concurrent thrombosis is observed in up to 15 % of the patients with cellulitis of the lower extremity. The risk of concomitant venous thrombosis in patients with upper extremity cellulitis has not been investigated, yet. Aim of this study is to examine the frequency of concomitant venous thrombosis in patients with cellulitis of the upper extremity and to identify risk factors, comorbidities, and complications. Materials and Methods From 2014 to 2021, patients with cellulitis of the arm that received duplexsonography of the same limb were included. Files were reviewed for demographic data, comorbidities, and risk factors. Results 53 patients with upper limb cellulitis were included. In 11.3 % of the patients (n = 6), concomitant venous thrombosis of the upper extremity was detected. Three patients had deep arm thrombosis (brachial and subclavian veins), three had superficial vein thrombosis. Conclusion Cellulitis may increase the risk for venous thrombosis. Venous catheters and chronic lymphedema favor the occurrence of both cellulitis and venous thrombosis. Oncological patients are at particular risk for developing concomitant venous thrombosis.