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"We report a rare case of phlebosclerosis in the left antecubital region after peripheral intravenous chemotherapy, which caused elbow contracture" Ishikawa et al (2025).
Elbow extension limitation associated with peripheral intravenous chemotherapy administration

Abstract:

We report a rare case of phlebosclerosis in the left antecubital region after peripheral intravenous chemotherapy, which caused elbow contracture. A 54-year-old woman with breast cancer underwent partial mastectomy of the right breast and 8 courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 6 of which were administered via venipuncture in the left forearm. She developed progressive flexion contracture of the left elbow despite rehabilitation. Two cord-like fibrotic veins were identified in the antecubital region and surgically excised. Postoperative rehabilitation led to full elbow extension within 5 months. In cases with elbow extension limitation, proactive surgical intervention should be considered.

Reference:

Ishikawa N, Inuzuka K, Sano M, Katahashi K, Tsuyuki H, Endo Y, Takeuchi H, Unno N. A Case of Elbow Extension Limitation Caused by Phlebosclerosis Following Peripheral Intravenous Chemotherapy: A Case Report and Literature Review. Ann Vasc Dis. 2025;18(1):25-00055. doi: 10.3400/avd.cr.25-00055. Epub 2025 Jul 1. PMID: 40606588; PMCID: PMC12221617.

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