A case of lower leg amputation: A sequelae of lymphoedema compression garment complication during the Covid-19 pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic caused significant issues relating to social distancing and mandatory isolation of patients. The literature is increasingly demonstrating the harmful psychiatric effects caused by Covid-induced social isolation, and in particular those suffering from mental illness. We present a case of social-isolation propagated severe self-neglect in a patient with underlying mental health issues. This resulted in a tourniquet effect from poorly applied compression garments, which led to bilateral foot ischaemia, left above-knee amputation and subsequent death in a previously independent adult. This case highlights the negative effect of Covid-19 on vulnerable patients, particularly those who live alone, and suggests that patients’ mental and social state should be considered (and monitored) when prescribing compression garments. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports of this nature, nor guidance on the use of compression therapy in patients with poor mental health.