Popliteal artery thrombosis as a rare complication of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH): A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Popliteal artery thrombosis a rare but life-threatening complication of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria caused due to hemolysis. Complications of further thrombotic event are common after initial management. CASE PRESENTATION: A 38 years old male, known case of PNH for 2 years, presented with the history of loss of pain sensation, coldness and loss of movement in left lower leg for 5 days and history of multiple blood transfusion. The patient underwent knee amputation because of possible complication of PNH. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Intermittent claudication along with paresthesia, lower extremity weakness, stiffness, and cool extremities are seen in patients of Peripheral Artery Disease. Ultrasound color duplex is a sensitive and specific examination for peripheral flow while gold standard techniques like MRI and CT angiogram to detect and diagnose arterial lesions. CONCLUSION: The risk of thrombo-embolism in a patient of PNH should be considered by a treating doctor while early imaging and management should be done to reduce the complications and risk of amputation.