Sudden calf swelling and pseudo-thrombophlebitis in rheumatoid arthritis: an uncommon emergency spot diagnosis

Abstract

A 52-year-old male presented with atraumatic left side calf swelling for the last three months. The swelling had acute onset and increased gradually in size. He had a history of rheumatoid arthritis with treatment options limited to physiotherapy sessions and pain medication as he could not continue disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs regularly. There was no history of co-morbidities like hypertension, tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus or bleeding diathesis. He neglected the swelling initially due to mild pain and little impact on activities of daily living till swelling increased to be apparent.