Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in treating post-ischemic pain caused by polycythemia vera complications: a case report

One of the complications of polycythemia vera (PV) can be acute thrombotic occlusion. The severity and prolonged duration of this condition can lead to nerve damage. In this case a 34-year-old male had thrombotic occlusions of the popliteal artery, resulting in chronic limb ischemia, which was treated with thrombectomy and amputation of one digit. The administered therapy consisted of hydroxyurea, analgesics, antidepressants and acetylsalicylic acid. When the patient was admitted he suffered from ischemic pain, he had developed an ulcer on his big toe and he was emotionally unstable, with suicidal thoughts. The patient was treated with 14 hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) treatments in total. There was evident paint relief after four treatments and healing of the ulcerous tissue after three weeks. During the patient's medical examination eight months after the treatment, his condition was still satisfactory, with no presence of pain, ulcer or signs of depression, and with no changes in hemodynamics. This case provides additional evidence to the data for HBO2 use in ischemic pain management.