A Case of Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Cellulitis of the Lower Leg

Cellulitis and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) have similar symptoms (lower extremity pain, erythema, and swelling) and there is the potential for misdiagnosis. In cases of cellulitis, DVT should be ruled out, as the symptoms of cellulitis might mask those of DVT, leading to serious complications such as pulmonary thromboembolism. The reported incidence of DVT in patients with cellulitis is low, especially patients with progression to pulmonary thromboembolism. We present a case of pulmonary thromboembolism following cellulitis of the lower leg in a 54-year-old male. (Korean J Med 2014;86:334-338)